In our body, breathing is a vital thing. We breathe oxygen every hour of every day and breathe out carbon dioxide, like a sophisticated machine operating in an orderly fashion. But sometimes this important respiratory function has a major problem, and that’s respiratory failure.
Respiratory failure, in short, is the failure of our lungs to work, resulting in inadequate oxygen in the body or the inability to remove CO2. Under normal circumstances, our lungs are like a hard-working “gas exchange station”. When the air enters the lungs, the oxygen goes through the pulmonary bubble into the blood, and is then taken to the organs of the body to provide oxygen to them; at the same time, the carbon dioxide produced by the body returns to the lungs through the blood and is then pumped out. But when respiratory failure occurs, this smooth process is disrupted.
Respiratory failure is of different types. One is based on arterial blood and gas analysis, such as respiratory failure of type I, at a time when the main problem is the respiratory function of the lung, which does not allow oxygen to enter, but CO2 emissions are normal, like a door that only shuts the passage of oxygen. The second type of respiratory failure is a major problem with the aerobic function, with CO2 not draining out, and the more it accumulates in the body, the less oxygen comes in, like a piping pipe is blocked in both directions.
What is it that causes respiratory failure? The lung disease is a common “principal cause”. For example, severe pneumonia, inflammation of the lungs, like a small house that has been destroyed, can’t normally exchange gas. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is also a “problem”, with long-term smoking, air pollution, or disease, which narrows the gas lanes and makes gas access difficult. There are pulmonary embolisms, which run into the veins of the lungs, blocking the road and preventing normal flow of blood through the lungs for oxygen.
In addition, a number of chest problems, such as severe pectromorphosis, limit normal expansion and contraction of the lungs and make breathing difficult. neurological system problems can also cause respiratory failure, such as brain injuries that affect the nerve that controls the breathing, as if the “command” directing the breathing had malfunctioned.
When respiratory failure occurs, the body sends out some “alarm”. The patient may find it difficult to breathe, as if there was a big rock in the chest, and each breath was very hard to breathe. Lips and nails may become blue because the body lacks oxygen. In serious cases, patients may also become demented because the brain is particularly sensitive to oxygen deficiency.
If respiratory failure is suspected, the doctor will perform many tests to determine it. Let’s do an arterial blood and gas analysis, see the oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. We’ll take a pecs, make a CT, etc. to check on the lungs.
For respiratory failure, the treatment cannot be staggered. In minor cases, it may be possible to mitigate the symptoms by taking oxygen and to give the body sufficient oxygen. If the condition is serious, a breathing machine may be needed to help the patient breathe. Active treatment is also required for primary diseases that cause respiratory failure, such as control of infection, decomposition of blood clots, etc.
Prevention of respiratory failure is also crucial. For people with lung diseases, it is important to quit smoking and avoid inhalation of harmful gases and particles. In general, care should be taken to prevent respiratory infections, such as colds, and to exercise properly to enhance health. If there are problems such as chest profiles, treatment is timely. Only with our attention can our breathing function be better protected and the body, the “large factory”, continue to function.
