lung and airway disorders
Respiratory Failure
Treatment of Respiratory Failure
Supplemental oxygen Mechanical ventilation Treatment of the cause People with acute respiratory failure are treated in an Types of units (ICU). Supplemental oxygen is given to correct any lack of oxygen in people with respiratory failure. Oxygen can be given using small plastic prongs placed in the nose (nasal cannula) or using a face mask, depending on how much oxygen people need. Oxygen is usually given initially in a greater amount than is needed and adjusted down later. Mechanical Ventilation corrects the problem of ventilating the lungs (and decreases carbon dioxide levels) in people with hypercarbic respiratory failure. In mechanical ventilation, a machine (ventilator) is used to help air get in and out of the lungs. The air is delivered under pressure from the machine through a face mask (noninvasive positive pressure ventilation) or other device or through a tube placed in the windpipe (invasive positive pressure ventilation). Doctors often try noninvasive methods first, but invasive mechanical ventilation may be necessary unless respiratory failure resolves rapidly with noninvasive treatment. Most people with respiratory failure are treated with both supplemental oxygen and some kind of mechanical ventilation. The underlying disorder causing the respiratory failure must be treated. For example, antibiotics are used to fight pneumonia caused by bacterial infection, and bronchodilators are used in people with asthma to open the airways. Other drugs may be given, for example, to decrease inflammation or treat blood clots. 