Can respiratory failure be cured?

Written by Li Fang Xiao
Internal Medicine
Updated on September 29, 2024
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Whether respiratory failure can be cured depends on the causes of the respiratory failure and the severity of the condition. Respiratory failure can potentially be cured. For example, acute left heart failure can lead to pulmonary congestion and subsequent respiratory failure. This condition primarily manifests as a decrease in oxygen tension, and by conducting a blood gas analysis, if the oxygen tension is found to be less than 60 mmHg, it can be diagnosed as respiratory failure. However, with symptomatic treatments such as vasodilation and diuretics, once the left heart failure is alleviated, the respiratory failure will also improve. On the other hand, for diseases intrinsic to the lungs, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or severe pulmonary infections, these chronic conditions cannot be completely cured. The symptoms of respiratory failure can only be managed with medication or ventilators.

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Written by Peng Miao Yun
Internal Medicine
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Care of Patients with Respiratory Failure

In the nursing care of patients with respiratory failure, it is important to strictly monitor vital signs daily, as respiratory failure is considered an emergency and critical condition clinically. Observe the patient's blood pressure, consciousness state, and respiratory rate. At the same time, good skin care and oral care should be maintained to prevent aspiration pneumonia and bedsores. Most importantly, secretions should be cleared in a timely manner, including phlegm. Conscious patients should be encouraged to cough forcefully. For patients who are weak in coughing, assist them in turning and patting their backs regularly to facilitate the expulsion of phlegm. For comatose patients, mechanical suction can be used to maintain airway patency. It is advisable to avoid factors that may cause breathing difficulties, such as cold wind and poor air circulation. Pay attention to enhancing physical exercise appropriately, preventing colds, and maintaining a regular lifestyle.

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Written by Peng Miao Yun
Internal Medicine
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Can respiratory failure be cured?

Respiratory failure is a critical condition in clinical settings, characterized by high mortality rates and the potential to impair multiple organ functions, thus endangering the lives of patients. However, in cases of chronic respiratory failure, it is generally incurable, as the respiratory function of these patients has already declined significantly. For patients with acute respiratory failure, the possibility of recovery is closely tied to the ability to diagnose early and administer effective treatment promptly. If acute respiratory failure is treated effectively early on by removing the trigger and the cause, and if the respiratory function can significantly improve within a short time, then there is still a chance for a cure.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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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.

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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.

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Written by Li Qiang
Intensive Care Unit
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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.