Management of Respiratory Failure and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Abstract

The function of respiration is to provide an adequate supply of O 2 to the pulmonary capillaries and remove CO 2 from the alveoli. Respiratory failure results from an impairment of gas exchange or ventilation, leading to a fall in the systemic arterial partial pressure of O 2 (P aO 2), which may be associated with a rise in the arterial partial pressure of CO 2 (P aCO 2). The pathophysiology of respiratory failure is discussed by Gunning, page 72. The management of respiratory failure comprises diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause with support of the respiratory system to ensure adequate oxygenation of the patient until the condition has resolved.