Type 1 Respiratory Failure Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
In principle, the work of the respiratory system consists of two things, namely:
- Circulation of oxygen from the lungs to the blood to be distributed throughout the body
- Taking carbon dioxide from the blood to the lungs for disposal
Well , a person can be said to experience respiratory failure if one of these work systems is disrupted.
Respiratory failure is a condition where the body fails to meet oxygen needs and/or remove carbon dioxide.
On medical examination, this is evidenced by low oxygen levels and or high levels of carbon dioxide.
Respiratory failure itself consists of two types, namely:
- Type 1 respiratory failure (hyposemia) is a condition where oxygen levels in the blood are low, but carbon dioxide levels remain normal or even low.
- Type 2 respiratory failure (hypercapnia) is a condition where blood oxygen levels are low and carbon dioxide levels are high
This article will focus more on type 1 respiratory failure. The following is an explanation.
Type 1 Respiratory Failure
| Medical specialist | Pulmonary specialist, anesthesiologist |
| Symptoms: | Shortness of breath, pale lips, loss of consciousness |
| risk factor | Suffering from chronic respiratory disease, weak immune system, spinal injuries, brain injuries, and chest |
| diagnosis | Medical interview, physical examination, pulse oximetry , blood gas analysis |
| Treatment | Oxygen therapy with the installation of a respirator |
| Complications | Loss of consciousness, multi-organ failure, death |
| When to see a doctor? | When you have symptoms of type 1 respiratory failure |
Symptoms
Meanwhile, the symptoms of type 1 respiratory failure that appear in sufferers are as follows:
1. Shortness of Breath
In the early stages of respiratory failure, the dominant symptom seen is shortness of breath. Shortness of breath occurs due to low oxygen levels.
2. Pale Lips, Nails and Skin
This low oxygen level causes the lips, nails, and skin of the sufferer to look pale.
3. Decreased Consciousness
If not treated immediately, low oxygen levels will make the brain unable to work properly.
The brain itself is the center of consciousness and in the end this center of consciousness will be sacrificed.
4. Irregular Heart Rhythms (Arrhythmias)
Lack of oxygen in the brain will cause a decrease in consciousness, while in the heart it will result in irregular heart rhythms .
Reason
Generally, the cause of type 1 respiratory failure is disease in the lungs. For example, pulmonary edema, pulmonary infection pneumonia, and pulmonary fibrosis.
In these various diseases, the lungs are no longer able to provide enough oxygen to then be circulated throughout the body.
However, carbon dioxide levels can still be maintained normally because some of the lungs are still functioning properly.
The organs in the body also become deprived of oxygen and nutrients, which in turn can sacrifice the work and health of the organs themselves.
Risk Factors
Some conditions that increase the risk of type 1 respiratory failure are:
- Have a chronic respiratory disease, such as COPD , asthma, and lung cancer
- Have a weak immune system
- Have an injury to the spine, brain, or chest
- Have a history of respiratory disease in the family
- Smoking
- Heavy alcohol drinker
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of type 1 respiratory failure is determined on the basis of a detailed medical interview, physical examination, and supporting examinations.
During the medical interview, it will be known if there is a history of certain diseases that can cause complications of type 1 respiratory failure, such as pulmonary edema and asthma.
Medical interviews here are usually conducted by doctors to the patient’s family.
Meanwhile, on physical examination, generally patients with type 1 respiratory failure will look pale, bluish lips and nails, and shortness of breath. On examination with a stethoscope, additional breath sounds can be found.
Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) can also be found when oxygen distribution disturbances involve the heart.
On supporting examination with pulse oximetry at the fingertips, low oxygen levels were found at the fingertips.
The blood gas analysis in type 1 respiratory failure can show low oxygen levels below 60 mm Hg and normal or low carbon dioxide levels.
Treatment
In principle, the main treatment for type 1 respiratory failure is the administration of oxygen with a method according to the conditions and needs of the patient.
This method can be done non-invasively, such as an oxygen mask; as well as invasive methods such as insertion of an endotracheal tube (ETT) or tracheostomy.
Endotracheal tube is a tube that is placed through the mouth and ends at the base of the lung. This tool is then connected to a breathing apparatus or ventilator.
Meanwhile, a tracheostomy is an act of opening a hole in the neck and then attaching a tube that goes into the trachea.
Patients with respiratory failure can be cured if they get immediate treatment and treat the main disease that causes their respiratory failure.
Healing also depends on the patient’s body response to treatment. If complications arise from respiratory failure, this condition is quite difficult to cure.
Prevention
Prevention of type 1 respiratory failure can be done by treating the underlying disease.
In patients with pulmonary edema, for example, treatment is needed that is able to remove excess fluid in the lungs.
Thus, the work of the lungs becomes lighter and optimal in providing oxygen to the body.
Complications
Low oxygen levels in type 1 respiratory failure will make the brain work to decrease.
In fact, the brain is the center of all the work of the body’s organs, including the center of consciousness. Therefore, the complication that is easy to see at the start is loss of consciousness.
Low oxygen levels also have an impact on the heart in the form of heart rhythm disturbances or arrhythmias.
If not handled properly, this condition can cause multiple organ failure and lead to death.
When to See a Doctor?
You should immediately see a doctor if you have symptoms of type 1 respiratory failure as mentioned above.
This condition is an emergency condition that requires immediate treatment. If help comes too late, this disease can cause death.