Types of Respiratory Failure
Have you ever experienced feeling like you aren’t getting enough oxygen? Or do you have an abnormal breathing pattern (too fast or slow)? This can indicate respiratory issues. Respiratory failure is a medical condition that indicates too much carbon dioxide in your system or insufficient oxygen supply to the blood. This could happen suddenly or gradually.
To help you identify whether you need emergency medical treatment for respiratory failure in Navi Mumbai, we’ve curated this post that explains different types of respiratory failure, their symptoms, and treatment. Let’s take a look.
Type I
Respiratory Failure (Hypoxemic)
Hypoxemic respiratory failure occurs when the lungs cannot deliver sufficient oxygen to the bloodstream, which is supposed to pass to the tissues and organs. The lungs might be efficiently removing carbon dioxide but fail to deliver oxygen to the blood.
It could be because of pneumonia or fluid buildup in your lungs, which can block the oxygen flow. Pulmonary embolism (a condition where a blood clot travels to your lungs, affecting the oxygen flow) can also cause Hypoxemic respiratory failure.
Symptoms of Hypoxemic
- Shortness of breath
- Headaches
- Cyanosis (your skin turning blue from lack of oxygen)
- Wheezing
Treatment of Hypoxemic
This type of respiratory failure requires oxygen therapy, which is delivered through nasal prongs, masks, and ventilators.
Type II
Respiratory Failure (Hypercapnic)
Hypercapnia is another respiratory failure in which too much carbon dioxide builds up in the blood, making little to no room for oxygen to be transported to the tissues and organs. Carbon dioxide is a waste product that is expelled from the blood through the lungs. If the lungs aren’t functioning well, CO2 can accumulate in the blood, making it acidic.
Common causes include sleep apnea, chronic bronchitis, asthma, and neurological disorders. If you have hypercapnia, you are likely to experience these symptoms:
Symptoms of Hypercapnic
- Extreme fatigue
- Drowsiness and dizziness
- Tremors
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
Treatment of Hypercapnic
A CPAP device keeps your airways open and ensures optimum airflow. This helps remove CO2 and aids in oxygen flow to your bloodstream. Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause. Inhalers, for instance, are administered to patients with asthma.
A pulmonologist in Navi Mumbai will carefully examine your lung health and conduct blood tests, CT scans, or X-rays to assess the level of damage. If the damage is severe, a surgical intervention, such as a lung transplant, might be needed.
Acute vs. Chronic Respiratory Failure
If you develop acute respiratory failure, seek medical care. It occurs when your lungs stop functioning abruptly due to a trauma or a medical issue. Apart from trauma, sepsis and certain medication can affect your lung function. Symptoms include rapid breathing, shortness of breath, and panic attacks.
Chronic respiratory failure happens over time. Medical conditions, such as COPD or sleep apnea, can impair your lung function. Symptoms include fatigue, difficulty carrying out routine physical tasks, wheezing, and chronic cough.
Treatment for both requires oxygen therapy and medication to treat underlying medical issues.
Conclusion
Respiratory failure can be a life-threatening medical issue. It’s important to seek medical care, especially if you suspect acute respiratory failure. Your healthcare provider will help you understand your treatment options.