Respiratory Failure Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Respiratory failure occurs when the body loses the ability to transport oxygen from the lungs to the blood and/or transport carbon dioxide from the blood. When oxygen is no longer able to be circulated, the function and work of cells will be the victims. Likewise, if carbon dioxide is no longer able to be transported to be removed from the blood. This carbon dioxide will accumulate as a waste substance that is toxic and harmful to the body.
All diseases that attack the respiratory system can cause respiratory failure. Including disorders of the lungs, muscles, heart, and nerves.
Symptom
Symptoms that appear in patients with respiratory failure are as follows:
- Hard to breathe. In the early stages of respiratory failure, the dominant symptom seen is shortness of breath. Shortness of breath occurs due to low levels of oxygen and high levels of carbon dioxide in the blood.
- Lips, nails, and skin look pale. Low oxygen levels cause the lips, nails, and skin of sufferers to look pale.
- Loss of consciousness. If not treated immediately, low oxygen levels will make the brain unable to work properly. Whereas the brain is the center of consciousness. That is why if it is not treated immediately, in the end, this center of consciousness will be sacrificed.
- Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia). Lack of oxygen in the brain will cause a decrease in consciousness, while in the heart it will result in irregular heart rhythms.
Reason
Respiratory failure can occur due to disturbances along the respiratory tract to the central nervous system, such as:
- Disorders of the nerves that control the breathing center such as spinal cord injury, stroke
- Damage to the tissues and bones around the lungs due to an accident or disease
- Structural abnormalities of the spine that can affect the bones and muscles to breathe
- Drug or alcohol overdose
- Presence of lung diseases such as COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), pneumonia, ARDS ( acute respiratory distress syndrome ), pulmonary embolism, and pulmonary fibrosis
Diagnosis
Determination of the diagnosis of respiratory failure is determined on the basis of detailed medical interviews, physical examination, and supporting examinations.
Through medical interviews, it can be known if there is a history of certain diseases that can cause complications of respiratory failure. For example, in someone with COPD ( Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ), where the flow of oxygen from the lungs is interrupted. Likewise with the disposal of carbon dioxide.
While on physical examination, patients with respiratory failure generally look pale, lips and nails turn blue, experience shortness of breath, and additional breath sounds are found on examination with a stethoscope. Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) can also be found when oxygen distribution disturbances involve the heart.
In addition, pulse oximetry examination at the fingertips also generally shows low oxygen levels at the fingertips. Meanwhile, blood gas analysis showed respiratory failure showing low oxygen levels and high carbon dioxide levels.
Additional examinations in the form of chest X-rays and electrocardiogram (ECG) can be performed, according to suspicion of organs that have the possibility of causing respiratory failure.
Treatment
In principle, the main treatment for respiratory failure is the administration of oxygen with a method appropriate to the patient’s condition and needs.
In patients with acute respiratory failure, treatment requires intensive care in a hospital and requires a breathing apparatus or a ventilator. Meanwhile, in chronic respiratory failure, generally treatment can be done at home. The rest, the treatment is given according to the underlying disease of the respiratory failure.
Complications:
In its early stages, respiratory failure can cause sufferers to lose consciousness and experience heart rhythm disturbances or arrhythmias. If not handled properly, this condition can cause multiple organ failures and lead to death.
Prevention
Prevention of respiratory failure can be done by treating the underlying disease. In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, for example, respiratory failure can be prevented by providing medication and physiotherapy until COPD is completely controlled.
In patients with chest trauma due to an accident, respiratory failure can be prevented by administering fast and appropriate first aid according to the patient’s condition.