Chronic Respiratory Failure

Respiratory failure describes a state where the respiratory system is unable to either remove carbon dioxide from the bloodstream or exchange oxygen into it. This leads to an imbalance of the oxygen levels in the blood, which can have serious effects on your health and ability to function.

Respiratory failure can be both chronic and acute, and either type is generally seen as a serious medical condition. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with chronic respiratory failure, learning more about this condition can help you take a more proactive role in treatment.

The Basics of Chronic Respiratory Failure

In medical terms, acute conditions are severe and arise on a short-term basis. Chronic conditions are ongoing with either persistent or recurring health issues. It is possible for someone with a chronic condition, such as chronic respiratory failure to have an acute episode that requires immediate medical attention.

The respiratory system, which consists mainly of the airways and lungs, as well as supporting blood vessels and muscles, transfers the oxygenated air that enters our body into the bloodstream. Meanwhile, it transfers waste in the form of carbon dioxide out of the blood every time we breathe out. This complex exchange process needs to happen efficiently every time.

Chronic respiratory failure is any condition that disrupts this process on a persistent or recurring basis for months or years at a time.

Chronic Respiratory Failure Causes

Chronic respiratory failure is usually caused by an underlying problem that either inhibits the flow of air into the lungs, or disrupts the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide into the blood.

Common lung conditions and diseases that can lead to chronic respiratory failure include:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Cystic fibrosis
Stroke
Pneumonia
Spine conditions and injuries, such as scoliosis
Chest injuries
Smoking, alcohol consumption, or substance abuse

Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Respiratory Failure

Very often, chronic respiratory failure symptoms will develop slowly over a period of time. These gradual symptoms can include:

Shortness of breath or labored breathing, especially after physical activities
Persistent coughing and wheezing
Fatigue
Noticeable bluish tint to the extremities, such as the fingertips and lips
Confusion and drowsiness
Headaches

These symptoms should always be taken seriously if they continue for days or weeks and should be checked out by a doctor. Watch out for any symptoms that may constitute a medical emergency, such as an inability to breathe, heart arrhythmias, or loss of consciousness.

Diagnosing and Treating Chronic Respiratory Failure

A doctor will usually diagnose a patient with chronic respiratory failure after performing the following steps:

Reviewing medical history
Discussing symptoms and how they affect activities
Conducting a thorough physical evaluation, particularly breathing and heart tests
Ordering lab tests, such as pulse oximetry, arterial blood gas testing, and bronchoscopy to measure oxygen levels in the blood and test lung tissue
Imaging tests for a closer look at the lungs and to identify possible breathing obstructions

Upon diagnosis, treatment may depend on the individual patient and his or her underlying conditions and state of health. Chronic respiratory failure can often be managed at home through certain medications, oxygen therapy, and physical and occupational therapy techniques.

In severe cases of respiratory failure, doctors may recommend more serious measures, including tracheostomy and mechanical ventilation. Although there is not currently a cure for chronic respiratory failure, it is often possible to manage this condition successfully on a long-term basis. Many patients with chronic respiratory failure can benefit from specialized assistance, including home health care.

Contact Sonas for Home Health Care in Florida

It can be hard to balance your time between work, home, and caring for a child. That’s why our team of skilled professionals at Sonas Home Health Care is here to help. We have been enforcing precautionary measures and following the Centers For Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for COVID-19 to ensure the safety and health of our clients and employees.

Our home health care services offer support in the comfort of your home. We refer loving and competent nurses to provide customized care for families — from a few hours a day to around-the-clock supervision. Contact us directly to speak with a home health care professional or request a free in-home assessment. Together we can determine the best plan of action to keep your loved ones happy and healthy.

If you or a loved one are considering Pediatric Home Health Care Services in Florida, contact the caring staff at Sonas Home Health Care. Call today at (888) 592-5855.

Jillian Miller BSN, RN

Director of Nursing at Sonas Home Health Care

This blog was reviewed by Jillian Miller BSN, RN — Director of Nursing for Sonas Home Health Care’s Tampa Bay market — for clinical accuracy. Jillian Miller has been a nurse for 16 years — working primarily in pediatrics. She believes the best part of working with the pediatric population is when you see smiles from clients when you first enter the room. She loves seeing the difference you can make in families’ lives while providing the best care possible for them.