How to grade respiratory failure

Written by Li Qiang
Intensive Care Unit
Updated on November 07, 2024
00:00
00:00

Respiratory failure is generally not graded; instead, it is classified into types. There are two types, Type I and Type II. Type I is characterized by an oxygen tension lower than 60 mmHg, at which point, there is no increase in carbon dioxide, and the carbon dioxide level is normal. Type II respiratory failure is when the oxygen tension is below 60 mmHg, accompanied by an increase in carbon dioxide, which is then termed Type II respiratory failure. Regarding respiratory failure, it is classified by type and not by severity grade. This means that once it meets these criteria, it is referred to as respiratory failure, and at this point, some emergency treatments to improve low oxygen levels are necessary. Therefore, respiratory failure is generally not graded into mild, moderate, or severe degrees. It is only differentiated into different types. Of course, there are different severity levels in respiratory failure, but we generally do not apply a specific degree of severity.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Ji Zhong
Internal Medicine
59sec home-news-image

Causes of respiratory failure

Respiratory failure is a severe breathing difficulty that can lead to hypoxia and carbon dioxide retention. The causes of respiratory failure can be broadly classified into the following categories: First, there are diseases of the lung parenchyma, such as various lung infections, pneumonia, pulmonary edema, lung abscess, and diseases of the lung interstitium. Another type involves obstruction of the airway, including obstruction in the upper respiratory tract, which covers the nose, pharynx, and larynx, as well as obstructions in the lower respiratory tract, which can also lead to respiratory failure. Third, there are diseases involving the peripheral nervous transmission system and the respiratory machinery, such as acute infectious polyradiculoneuritis, poliomyelitis, and some cervical spine injuries. These can severely affect the respiratory center and respiratory nerves, leading to respiratory failure.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
1min 2sec home-news-image

Treatment of Respiratory Failure

Respiratory failure refers to the severe impairment of lung ventilation and gas exchange function caused by various reasons. The treatment of respiratory failure is comprehensive. Firstly, it is necessary to maintain the patency of the airway. Second, oxygen therapy is required. Oxygen therapy is mainly used to correct the patient's hypoxia. Third, a ventilator can be used to assist breathing. Fourth, the cause of the condition should be addressed. For example, if it is caused by a severe infection, aggressive anti-infection measures should be taken; if caused by a large amount of pleural effusion, aggressive drainage of the pleural fluid should be undertaken, etc. Additionally, general supportive therapy should be considered, such as maintaining electrolyte and acid-base balance. It is also important to protect the function of vital organs, such as maintaining the function of the heart and lungs, etc.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Ji Zhong
Internal Medicine
1min 6sec home-news-image

Respiratory Failure Nursing Care Plan

For patients with respiratory failure, treatment is one aspect, and nursing is equally important. A nursing plan should be developed in advance, starting with keeping the airway clear to avoid aspiration of liquids or food into the trachea. It is necessary to frequently help the patient turn and pat their back to facilitate the expulsion of phlegm, while also enhancing nutrition and increasing the intake of various nutrients. During the remission period of respiratory failure, persist in exercising, performing exercises like knee protections to strengthen the activity of the respiratory muscles. Adapt clothing according to seasonal and climatic changes to avoid catching a cold. In nursing, it is important to maintain vital signs, pay attention to the care of the skin and oral mucosa, promptly clear phlegm, and avoid factors that trigger breathing difficulties, such as the stimulation from cold wind and cold air. Maintain regular life patterns, engage in appropriate physical exercise, and prevent the occurrence of colds.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Qiang
Intensive Care Unit
45sec home-news-image

Precursors of respiratory failure

Respiratory failure can be a very acute condition, or it may evolve gradually due to chronic diseases. The basic precursors of respiratory failure generally include hypoxia or hypercapnia. In the early stages of hypoxia, patients may experience excitement or irritability, characterized by rapid breathing and possibly sweating due to the effort of breathing. Symptoms include accelerated breathing and hypoxia; the patient’s lips may also turn blue. If the level of carbon dioxide increases, once past the initial period of excitement and as the hypoxia worsens, the person may become listless. Gradually, their consciousness may become unclear, manifesting as drowsiness or possibly even coma.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Peng Miao Yun
Internal Medicine
44sec home-news-image

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.