When the Respiratory System goes Wrong

The respiratory system of the human body is so essential that its function cannot be ignored, so when there is an issue with the system, there is respiratory failure. Respiratory failure is a serious condition that makes breathing difficult. It happens when the lungs are unable to get sufficient oxygen into the blood.

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The human body breathes oxygen into the lungs from the air, and we breathe out carbon dioxide which is a waste gas. Breathing is important, there is no existence without it, and oxygen must pass from the lungs into the blood for organs and tissues to work appropriately.

Respiratory failure is of two types: chronic and acute. Acute respiratory failure happens suddenly due to the lungs' inability to release sufficient oxygen into the blood, which prevents the organs from functioning properly. If it is not treated appropriately, acute respiratory failure can be fatal.

Acute respiratory failure can be caused by an obstruction when something lodges in the throat and prevents oxygen from getting into the lungs. People with asthma or COPD can experience obstruction.
An injury that compromises or impairs the respiratory system can also affect the amount of oxygen or carbon dioxide in the blood negatively.

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Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARSD) can cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs, which will lead to low oxygen in the blood, there is usually an underlying health condition before ARSD happens. Some of the possible underlying health conditions are; sepsis, near drowning, blood transfusions, pneumonia, sepsis, and trauma that affects the chest or head.

Excessive alcohol intake or drug overdose can hinder breathing and impair brain function. When chemicals are inhaled, they may cause damage or injury to the lung tissue. Infection can also cause respiratory failure.

Chronic respiratory failure happens for different reasons, it can happen due to the narrowing or damaging of the airways, and it happens with conditions such as; asthma, cystic fibrosis, and bronchiectasis. Lung fibrosis can also be a cause, happening with conditions like; pneumonia, and interstitial lung disease. Respiratory muscle weakness is another possible reason for chronic respiratory failure, it can happen with a condition like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

There are two major types of acute and chronic respiratory failure: hypoxemic and hypercapnic, any of these conditions can trigger serious complications. Other less common ones are perioperative respiratory failure, and respiratory failure happening due to shock.
Hypoxemic respiratory failure happens when there is insufficient oxygen in the blood, with lung and heart conditions being the most common causes.

Hypercapnic respiratory failure happens when there is excessive carbon dioxide in the blood. If the body is unable to get rid of carbon dioxide, which is a waste product, this means there is no room for blood cells to move oxygen around.

Hypoxemic respiratory failure happens when there is insufficient oxygen in the blood. Lungs and heart conditions are the most common causes of hypoxemic respiratory failure.

Perioperative respiratory failure can happen after a surgical procedure, anesthesia can keep a person from breathing properly, and there are times when the air sacs in the lungs can collapse and disrupt the oxygen from getting into the blood.

Respiratory failure due to shock is also possible, shock on its own is a condition that causes low blood pressure, fluid in the lungs, and other associated conditions that could result in respiratory failure.

The symptoms that a person with respiratory failure experiences depend on the type and the cause. Generally, symptoms include; fatigue, rapid breathing, breath shortage, coughing or spitting out blood or mucus, restlessness, pale skin, blurred vision, headaches, behavioral changes, and agitation.

There is a higher chance of experiencing acute respiratory failure if you are a victim of a compromised immune system, smoke tobacco products, have a family history of a respiratory disease, an injury to the chest, brain, or spine.

Acute respiratory failure means the organs are not getting the required oxygen-rich blood to function, complications can affect multiple organ systems. It may take weeks for oxygen and carbon dioxide levels to get back to a healthy level, pulmonary rehabilitation could be advised, which includes education, counseling, and exercise therapy.

The treatment focuses on managing underlying causes, giving more oxygen, or using mechanical ventilation to breathe until the patient can breathe on his or her own again. Acute respiratory failure is a serious emergency that requires instant treatment. When a case of respiratory failure is still mild, then the underlying condition can be managed.

For Further Studies.

https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/respiratory-failure

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24835-respiratory-failure

https://www.physio-pedia.com/Respiratory_Failure

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526127/

https://www.healthline.com/health/acute-respiratory-failure#takeaway

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Hi, I am Tobi, a writer, speaker, relationship blogger, and lover of good music. I love making friends and learning from people.