Question 1

why do people get respiratory failure?

Accepted Answer

Many reasons: They may have underlying lung disease which is made worse by an infection or other trigger, or they may have an overwhelming other problem such as a heart attack, stroke, sepsis, major trauma or a variety of other things. Bottom line, there is a failure to oxygenate, or failure to ventilate, or both. Treatment and prognosis depends on all of the above. Hope this helps!

Question 2

what are the tests for respiratory failure?

Accepted Answer

Depends...: The diagnosis of respiratory failure is typically made on the basis of abgs and the overall clinical picture. But, the cause of the respiratory failure needs to be diagnosed so it can be treated. To diagnose the cause of the respiratory failure requires a diagnostic work-up beginning with a history and physical exam which will then determine the rest of the work-up.

Question 3

how does shock lead to respiratory failure?

Accepted Answer

See below: In response to shock, the body secretes many substances, called cytokines, which may be damaging to the lungs causing an acute inflammatory reaction.

Question 4

how painful is death from respiratory failure?

Accepted Answer

It varies: If you see people who are drowning, they really struggle at the beginning. People who develop resp failure from sepsis or copd, they suffer initially, but as the co2 rises it serves as a narcotic and we see them gasping but probably not suffering once consciousness wanes. But acute resp failure from any cause makes someone struggle. So please don't do anything bad.

Question 5

so what are the symptoms of respiratory failure?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory failure: There are a couple causes of respiratory failure that can manifest differently.  Respiratory failure from not getting enough oxygen usually causes people to breathe fast and deep and feel extrememly shrt of breath.  Respiratory failure from too much carbon dioxide usually makes people sleepy and unresponsive.  Respiratory failure from an obstructed airway makes it impossible to talk.

Question 6

what number of people on average die of respiratory failure?

Accepted Answer

RESP Failure: If you're referring to Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome or ARDS, there are about 200,000 cases with 75,000 deaths annually

Question 7

do lots of people get respiratory failure, or is it unusual?

Accepted Answer

Very common: Respiratory failure is very common, most patients in intensive care units require mechanical ventilation to breath and therefore have respiratory failure. In terms of chronic respiratory failure, where the lung function is severely impaired, one way to look at it is the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( copd, that is emphysema and chronic bronchitis is the nations 4th leading cause of death.

Question 8

what are the main symptoms of end stage respiratory failure?

Accepted Answer

Wide range....: There are a wide range of symptoms depending on if the respiratory failure results in carbon dioxide elevation or just low oxygen levels. Low oxygen levels can cause shortness of breath at rest when end-stage, fatigue, mental status change whereas high carbon dioxide levels can cause confusion, sleepiness. The skin can look blue especially at the fingertips, toes, lips. Coma and death can occur.

Question 9

how are respiratory failure and respiratory arrest different?

Accepted Answer

Respiration: Respiratory failure means the inability to breath enough to take adequate amount of oxygen and get rid of co2 and could be due to lung diseases. Respiratory arrest simply means a person stops breathing, no effort seen.

Question 10

how does a respiratory failure differ from a respiratory arrest?

Accepted Answer

Timing: Respiratory arrest is a form of respiratory failure where no attempt is made to breathe. This is an emergency and respiratory support must be immediately performed. Respiratory failure refers to any process where the lungs, heart or thoracic cage are unable to supply an adequate amount of oxygen or eliminate carbon dioxide.

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Why do people get respiratory failure?

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What are the tests for respiratory failure?

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How does shock lead to respiratory failure?

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So what are the symptoms of respiratory failure?

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What number of people on average die of respiratory failure?

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Do lots of people get respiratory failure, or is it unusual?

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What are the main symptoms of end stage respiratory failure?

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How are respiratory failure and respiratory arrest different?

A member asked:

How does a respiratory failure differ from a respiratory arrest?

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