Causes of CO2 retention in respiratory failure

Written by Wang Ji Zhong
Internal Medicine
Updated on December 25, 2024
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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.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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Is respiratory failure serious?

Respiratory failure is a common and critical condition in the respiratory system, and it is very serious. Respiratory failure manifests as a severe decline in respiratory function, often with significant damage to the lungs' ventilation and gas exchange capabilities. Patients often experience severe chest tightness, difficulty breathing, obvious hypoxic cyanosis, and may even present with symptoms such as convulsions and coma, which can be fatal. Treatment usually requires oxygen therapy and often the assistance of a ventilator. Therefore, respiratory failure is considered a very serious condition clinically and requires proactive management to save the patient's life.

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Written by An Yong Peng
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Is asthma considered respiratory failure?

Asthma and respiratory failure are two distinct concepts. Asthma is a disease, whereas respiratory failure is a clinical outcome resulting from a series of diseases. During an acute asthma attack, there is also a possibility of respiratory failure occurring, and in severe cases, it can lead to serious respiratory failure requiring interventions like tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. Therefore, acute asthma attacks require active intervention. Treatments often include nebulized inhalation of short-acting bronchodilators and even intravenous administration of corticosteroids to handle the acute episode. Short-term intravenous use of corticosteroids can also help in controlling the acute attack.

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Written by Wang Ji Zhong
Internal Medicine
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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.

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Written by Peng Miao Yun
Internal Medicine
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How to administer oxygen for respiratory failure

If patients with respiratory failure undergo oxygen therapy, it is necessary to choose different therapy plans based on the type of respiratory failure. In the case of Type I respiratory failure, there is simply a lack of oxygen. For Type II respiratory failure, there is not only a lack of oxygen but also an accumulation of carbon dioxide. Therefore, for Type I respiratory failure, the oxygen flow can be higher, over five liters per minute, and the patient can continuously receive oxygen without causing significant side effects. However, for Type II respiratory failure, it is essential to control the oxygen flow at a low rate, under three liters per minute, otherwise, it may lead to other complications.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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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.