Does respiratory failure spread?

Written by Han Shun Li

Pulmonology

Updated on September 03, 2024

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Respiratory failure is a condition characterized by significant decline in respiratory function and is clinically very serious, being a common critical and acute illness. Respiratory failure itself is not contagious, but certain diseases that cause respiratory failure can be contagious. For example, if it is caused by infectious pulmonary tuberculosis, then the tuberculosis can be transmitted, but respiratory failure itself is not contagious.

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Written by Han Shun Li

Pulmonology

59sec

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How to rescue respiratory failure

Respiratory failure is a very serious condition clinically, and if not handled promptly, many patients may have their lives endangered. The emergency measures for respiratory failure include the following. First, it is necessary to maintain the patency of the airway. If the patient is unconscious, the patient should be placed in a supine position with the head tilted back, the lower jaw lifted, and the mouth opened to clear the airway of secretions and foreign objects. If this is insufficient, tracheal intubation and other methods should be considered to maintain airway patency. Additionally, oxygen therapy, which involves inhaling oxygen, can correct the patient's hypoxic state. If the respiratory function is very poor, consideration should also be given to using a ventilator to assist breathing. Other emergency measures include etiological treatment, supportive treatment, and protecting the function of other vital organs, among others.

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Written by Han Shun Li

Pulmonology

48sec

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Treatment principles for respiratory failure

Respiratory failure is a common emergency condition in the respiratory system, with patients often experiencing significant breathing difficulties, cyanosis, etc. So, what are the principles of treatment for respiratory failure? The overall principles of treatment are to enhance respiratory support, including maintaining airway patency, correcting hypoxia through oxygen therapy, and improving ventilation with the use of ventilators, among other measures. Additionally, it is important to intensify treatment of the causes and inducers of respiratory failure, such as controlling infections. Attention should also be paid to general supportive treatment, such as nutritional support, correcting electrolyte imbalances, etc., as well as protecting other vital organs, like the liver and kidneys.

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Written by Li Fang Xiao

Internal Medicine

56sec

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Can respiratory failure be cured?

Respiratory failure can potentially be cured, and the key lies in identifying the cause of the respiratory failure. For instance, acute inflammatory infections, such as severe pneumonia and other infectious diseases, can lead to dysfunction in lung ventilation and gas exchange, manifesting as respiratory failure. With the aggressive use of antibiotics and anti-infection drugs, once the infection is controlled, respiratory failure can also be corrected accordingly. Furthermore, if it is a complication of other diseases, such as acute left heart failure, respiratory failure can also occur. This type of respiratory failure will quickly improve once heart function is corrected. However, in the case of chronic diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchiectasis, asthma, and other causes, respiratory failure can only be managed with medication to alleviate symptoms, and it cannot be completely cured.

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Written by Peng Miao Yun

Internal Medicine

44sec

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Respiratory failure is a disease.

Respiratory failure is a condition caused by severe impairment of lung ventilation and gas exchange functions due to various reasons, leading to ineffective gas exchange. This results in hypoxia in the body, accompanied by either retention or non-retention of carbon dioxide, thereby causing a clinical syndrome of physiological and metabolic disorders. The causes of respiratory failure include diseases of the lung tissue, respiratory tract disorders, pulmonary vascular diseases, and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, among other factors, all of which can lead to respiratory failure.

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Written by Wang Ji Zhong

Internal Medicine

46sec

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Causes of CO2 retention in respiratory failure

Respiratory failure manifests as hypoxia and the retention of carbon dioxide. The main cause of carbon dioxide retention is pathological changes in the respiratory system, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with respiratory failure, status asthmaticus, pulmonary heart disease, lung cancer, etc. Some neuropathies that cause paralysis of the respiratory muscles can lead to respiratory dysfunction, resulting in the retention of carbon dioxide in the body, affecting normal cellular metabolism, causing disturbances in acid-base balance and nervous system function, and posing life-threatening conditions. The most important pathogenic mechanism causing carbon dioxide retention in these diseases is still inadequate alveolar ventilation.