Respiratory failure is when the lungs can no longer exchange gas to meet the bodys requirements. There are two types, which depend on which part of the gas exchange system is affected. Type 1 is when oxygen in the blood is very low because the lungs can not get the oxygen that is breathed in to the blood very well. Type 2 is when the small air spaces in the lungs do not fill with enough air to get oxygen to the blood.
You may have breathlessness, restlessness, be agitated, confused, have a headache, feel drowsy. They may be caused by an underlying infection and if so, this is the first thing that is treated. Assisted breathing - ventilation - is the mainstay of treating respiratory failure.
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