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Respiratory Failure |
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THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM COMPRISES THE UPPER
RESPIRATORY TRACT, THE AIRWAYS AND THE LUNGS
The main diseases of the airways and lung are caused by infection and
inflammation.
Exposure to environmental agents has an important role in causing disease,
especially
smoking and occupational exposure to dust.
Carcinoma of the lung is particularly feared because of its aggressive nature.
One consequence of severe disease of the respiratory system is impairment of
oxygenation
of blood, resulting in respiratory failure.
RESPIRATORY FAILURE IS DEFINED BY THE PRESENCE OF A LOW LEVEL OF BLOOD OXYGEN
Normal respiratory function maintains blood gases within physiological limits.
The normal
PaO2 varies between 10.7 kPa and 13.3 kPa (80-100 mmHg), and the normal PaCO2
varies
between 4.7 kPa and 6.0 kPa (35-45 mmHg).
Respiratory failure is defined as when the PaO2 falls below 8 kPa (60 mmHg)
There are two types of respiratory failure, which are defined according to
whether blood
carbon dioxide is also abnormal. In Type 1, PaO2 is low, but PaCO2 is within
normal range.
In Type II, PaO2 is low, but PaCO2 is raised (above 6.7 kPa/50 mmHg).
There are several general causes of respiratory failure including failure of
ventilatory drive,
e.g. depression of respiratory centre; upper airways obstruction; diseases of
lung preventing
normal gas exchange; and mechanical impairment of ventilation, e.g. massive rib
fracture,
diseases of muscle. |
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We give here simplified and accurate information about the disease
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