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What is Hypoxic Respiratory Failure?

H. Colledge
H. Colledge

Hypoxic respiratory failure occurs when there is insufficient oxygen for the body tissues to function. This can be a result of a low oxygen level in the blood, an inefficient blood supply to the tissues or a toxic substance which prevents cells from using the oxygen that is supplied. An affected individual may appear disorientated and drowsy, and exhibit breathing difficulty with rapid, shallow breaths. The nails and lips may appear blue. Sudden respiratory failure is a life-threatening condition that should be treated as an emergency.

When the pressure of oxygen in the blood is too low, this is called hypoxemia. It can lead to the tissues of the body having insufficient oxygen to function, a condition known as hypoxia. Hypoxemia, and resulting hypoxia, may occur at altitude, in association with lung diseases such as pneumonia, or in heart conditions which shunt blood away from the lungs. It may also result from failure of the mechanical action of breathing, due to an obstruction in the lung or respiratory muscle fatigue.

The respiratory and abdominal organs.
The respiratory and abdominal organs.

In cases where hypoxic respiratory failure is sudden, or acute, patients are generally admitted to the hospital as soon as possible. Chronic respiratory insufficiency, which occurs over time in diseases such as emphysema, is more likely to be treated with oxygen at home. Acute cases may require artificial ventilation, with a tube supplying oxygen inserted into the airway. A ventilating machine might be used if it is important to rest the respiratory muscles.

Hypoxic respiratory failure occurs when the body does not get enough oxygen to function.
Hypoxic respiratory failure occurs when the body does not get enough oxygen to function.

Asthma is a common cause of hypoxic respiratory failure, and a severe attack can be fatal. The illness consists of episodes of coughing and wheezing accompanied by a tightness inside the chest that results from constriction of the airways. Although the true cause is unknown, many triggers have been recognized, including cold air and certain drugs, such as aspirin. Treatment involves administering oxygen, asthma medication in breathable form and steroids. Often, patients, their families or carers fail to appreciate the severity of an attack and many deaths are thought to be preventable.

A ventilation machine might be used during hypoxic respiratory failure if the respiratory muscles are in need of rest.
A ventilation machine might be used during hypoxic respiratory failure if the respiratory muscles are in need of rest.

Sometimes hypoxic respiratory failure results from insufficient blood supply to the tissues. For example, during what is called congestive heart failure, where blood is not pumped efficiently around the body, vital organs including the brain may be starved of oxygen and damaged. As the condition tends to worsen gradually, treatment should begin long before the condition becomes life-threatening. It can include lifestyle changes, medication and possibly a heart transplant.

Supplemental oxygen can help raise a patient's oxygen level.
Supplemental oxygen can help raise a patient's oxygen level.

Cyanide is a substance which prevents cells from using oxygen, leading to hypoxic respiratory failure. It is produced when burning plastic or rubber and may be breathed in or accidentally ingested, as it is present in some plants and solvents. Fortunately there are antidotes to cyanide which can be given, and if the poison has been consumed fairly recently, the stomach can be pumped to wash it out.

Discussion Comments

anon966113

There is a new idea in COPD management and the use of low flow 1.5-2l o2 continuously for at least 18 hi=ours a day, mainly when home and at rest. This is supposedly to help endurance, and add additional lifetime to the patient. This is new to me but we are doing this. We will see.

Slashenden

Oxygen therapy for copd is common. A friend was recently hospitalized with hypoxic hypercarbic respiratory failure. After about a week, she was released on oxygen. The recovery is long and difficult.

My friend blames years of smoking, which she says damaged her lungs and made her more susceptible to these types of illnesses.

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    • The respiratory and abdominal organs.
      By: adimas
      The respiratory and abdominal organs.
    • Hypoxic respiratory failure occurs when the body does not get enough oxygen to function.
      By: nmcandre
      Hypoxic respiratory failure occurs when the body does not get enough oxygen to function.
    • A ventilation machine might be used during hypoxic respiratory failure if the respiratory muscles are in need of rest.
      By: Kadmy
      A ventilation machine might be used during hypoxic respiratory failure if the respiratory muscles are in need of rest.
    • Supplemental oxygen can help raise a patient's oxygen level.
      By: khunaspix
      Supplemental oxygen can help raise a patient's oxygen level.
    • A hypoxic respiratory failure could occur when an athlete is training at a high altitude.
      By: unitypix
      A hypoxic respiratory failure could occur when an athlete is training at a high altitude.
    • Individuals who are morbidly obese may experience breathing difficulties.
      By: Dave
      Individuals who are morbidly obese may experience breathing difficulties.
    • Sudden respiratory failure should be treated as an emergency.
      By: Aleksandar Todorovic
      Sudden respiratory failure should be treated as an emergency.