When the lungs are unable to deliver enough oxygen into the bloodstream, respiratory failure begins. (Image: shutterstock)
Shortness of breath is a sign of respiratory failure, a dangerous disease. Find out more about the different types of respiratory failure including signs and symptoms, causes and risk factors here
Respiratory failure is a serious condition characterized by difficulty breathing. It develops when the lungs are not able to get enough oxygen into the bloodstream. The respiratory system is unable to expel enough carbon dioxide, a waste gas, which causes it to accumulate in the body. The build-up can not only block or slow oxygen delivery to the body, but it can also damage tissues and organs because it is a toxic byproduct. Read about the types of respiratory failure, their symptoms, causes and risk factors here.
Type
Respiratory failure can be either acute or chronic. Acute respiratory failure is rapid. Since it often occurs without warning, there are rarely any visible symptoms.
When respiratory failure develops slowly over time, it is called chronic respiratory failure. Symptoms include extreme fatigue, shortness of breath and sleepiness.
Cause
Difficulty in breathing and exhaling: This may be due to collapsed airways, weakness after a stroke, narrowing of the airways due to mucus build-up, or other causes.
Fluid in the lungs: The presence of fluid in these organs can be caused by acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), pneumonia, severe head trauma, and drowning for other reasons. This makes it difficult for oxygen to move from the air sacs into the blood and vice versa for carbon dioxide.
Lung damage: When no air gets in, the lungs can collapse. This can be caused by weak respiratory muscles, broken ribs, or mucus blocking the airways.
Breathing muscle problems: These problems can occur after a spinal cord injury or because of a nerve and muscle condition. It can also be related to the heart not pumping blood well or to sepsis. Weak respiratory muscles can cause trouble breathing or cause lung collapse.
Control of the brain on breathing: Normally, the brain detects increased carbon dioxide in the blood and signals the respiratory system to take deep breaths to expel the gas. However, due to drug overdose or other conditions, oxygen levels drop while carbon dioxide builds up in the body, leading to respiratory failure.
risk
Premature babies and older adults with underdeveloped lungs, pulmonary hypertension, or other such defects, who may also suffer muscle weakness with age, are at higher risk of respiratory failure. Smokers, people who drink a lot of alcohol, and people who take opioids and other drugs are also at risk.
Quitting smoking, reducing substance and alcohol use, exercising as well as managing weight and stress and getting good quality sleep are some of the ways respiratory failure can be prevented.
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