RESPIRATORY FAILURE Meaning and
Definition
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Respiratory failure is a medical condition characterized by the inability of the respiratory system to adequately perform its vital function of exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide in the bloodstream. It occurs when the lungs' ability to oxygenate the blood and remove carbon dioxide is severely compromised, preventing the body from obtaining sufficient oxygen for its various organs and tissues.
This failure can be classified into two types: acute respiratory failure, which develops rapidly due to acute conditions such as severe infections, heart failure, or lung injuries; and chronic respiratory failure, which develops gradually from long-term conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other chronic lung diseases.
Symptoms of respiratory failure include difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, bluish discoloration of the skin and lips (cyanosis), confusion, drowsiness, and even loss of consciousness in severe cases. Prompt medical attention is crucial for respiratory failure, as it is a life-threatening condition.
Treatment for respiratory failure involves addressing the underlying cause and providing supportive care to ensure sufficient oxygen supply to the body. This may include oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation through a breathing machine, medication to improve lung function, or even the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to temporarily bypass or assist the lungs in their function.
Overall, respiratory failure is a serious condition that necessitates immediate medical intervention to support respiratory function in order to maintain adequate oxygenation of the body and prevent further complications or organ damage.
Common Misspellings for RESPIRATORY FAILURE
- eespiratory failure
- despiratory failure
- fespiratory failure
- tespiratory failure
- 5espiratory failure
- 4espiratory failure
- rwspiratory failure
- rsspiratory failure
- rdspiratory failure
- rrspiratory failure
- r4spiratory failure
- r3spiratory failure
- reapiratory failure
- rezpiratory failure
- rexpiratory failure
- redpiratory failure
- reepiratory failure
- rewpiratory failure
- resoiratory failure
- resliratory failure
Etymology of RESPIRATORY FAILURE
The word "respiratory" comes from the Latin term "respirare", which means "to breathe". The term "failure" is derived from the Old French word "faille", meaning "deficiency" or "lack". Therefore, "respiratory failure" refers to the deficiency or inability to perform respiratory functions adequately.
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