Acute respiratory failure is a condition characterized by the inability of the lungs to perform their primary function: gas exchange. This failure leads to insufficient oxygen levels (hypoxemia) in the blood, elevated carbon dioxide levels (hypercapnia), or both, causing critical impairment in organ function.
Definition: It is defined by specific criteria based on blood gas measurements. Hypoxemia happens when the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) falls below 60 mmHg. At the same time, hypercapnia occurs with a partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) exceeding 45 mmHg on room air at sea level. The condition is considered acute if these changes occur suddenly and are severe enough to necessitate immediate intervention.
Etiology: The causes of acute respiratory failure fall into three main categories:
Risk Factors: Numerous factors can increase the risk of developing acute respiratory failure, including:
Classification: Acute respiratory failure can be classified into two main types based on blood gas analysis:
Understanding the underlying cause and type of acute respiratory failure is crucial for providing appropriate treatment and improving patient outcomes.
From Chapter 3:
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