Respiratory Failure

What is respiratory failure?

Respiratory failure is a condition which involves the blood having too much carbon dioxide, a lack of oxygen, or both problems.

This condition can lead to problems with the organs. This is because breathing in allows the lungs to take in oxygen and pass it into the blood, which then carries it to the organs, while breathing out involves removing carbon dioxide from the blood, and having too much in the blood can also harm the organs.

Symptoms of respiratory failure

The respiratory failure symptoms which are experienced by each individual will depend on the cause, as well as the respective levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.

Low oxygen levels can lead to air hunger and shortness of breath, with the lips, skin and fingernails potentially turning bluish in colour. A high carbon dioxide level can lead to confusion and rapid breathing.

Other potential symptoms include; irregular heartbeat, feeling very sleepy, or losing consciousness.

Causes of respiratory failure

Respiratory failure is primarily caused by conditions which affect the breathing. These conditions include; lung diseases such as pneumonia; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); cystic fibrosis and pulmonary embolism; conditions affecting muscles and nerves which control breathing, like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and muscular dystrophy; spinal problems; and drugs or alcohol overdose.