Diseases that lead to respiratory failure. Dr. Cristian Oancea: Attention!

Respiratory failure is a serious and sometimes fatal condition that can affect both adults and children. It is important to understand that there are two main forms of this condition: acute and chronic respiratory failure. In both cases, prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for survival and maintaining quality of life.

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In the statement of Dr. Cristian Oancea, primary pulmonologist, two critical aspects of respiratory insufficiency are emphasized: the acute and the chronic form. Acute respiratory failure is a medical emergency and can be suddenly triggered by conditions such as pneumonia, pulmonary embolism or myocardial infarction, immediately endangering patients’ lives. On the other hand, chronic respiratory failure is a progressive condition, which can be caused by chronic diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis or lung cancer, constantly affecting the quality of life of patients.

Acute respiratory failure

According to the doctor, acute respiratory failure is a medical emergency and requires immediate intervention. This form of respiratory failure can be caused by a variety of conditions, including pneumonia, exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary edema, or pulmonary embolism. Also, cardiovascular conditions, such as myocardial infarction, can quickly lead to acute respiratory failure.

“Here we can talk about two phenomena. Acute respiratory failure which is a medical emergency and chronic respiratory failure. Respiratory diseases, for example pneumonia, exacerbation of COPD, pulmonary edema, pulmonary embolism, but also cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction can quickly cause acute respiratory failure representing a medical emergency”, according to Dr. Cristian Oancea, exclusively for DC Medical.

Patients with acute respiratory failure may have severe symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, or cyanosis (blue discoloration of the skin and nails due to lack of oxygen). In such cases, it is essential to seek emergency medical attention immediately for proper evaluation and treatment.

photo: Freepik@stefamerpik

Chronic respiratory failure

On the other hand, chronic respiratory failure is a more slowly progressive condition, which can be caused by chronic diseases such as cystic fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, COPD or lung cancer, as Dr. Cristian Oancea tells us. In these cases, lung function gradually deteriorates over time, causing difficulty in breathing and daily activities.

However, it is important to note that chronic respiratory failure can be managed and treated appropriately. In some cases, oxygen supplementation, using mobile/portable oxygen concentrators accompanied by background medication, can significantly improve patients’ quality of life.

“Other respiratory pathologies, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, COPD, lung cancer can cause chronic respiratory failure that can be corrected (usually partially in advanced cases) with oxygen supplementation using those mobile/portable oxygen concentrators associated with background medication”, we – said the doctor.

For patients prone to developing respiratory failure or suffering from chronic respiratory conditions, monitoring blood oxygen levels can be crucial. The doctor explains the need for a simple and non-invasive tool used for this purpose, which is pulse oximetry. By using a pulse oximeter, patients can measure the level of oxygen saturation in their peripheral blood and monitor their heart rate.

“In patients prone to developing respiratory failure, it is recommended to use a pulse oximeter (an inexpensive and non-invasive tool), which shows the oxygen saturation of the peripheral blood and the heart rate. Here, great care in the case of women not to have nail polish or nail polish, because then the values ​​may be lower (not the real ones). Normal resting saturation should be 95-100%.

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When the value at rest is around 90% or less, the family doctor or the pulmonologist or cardiologist specialist must be notified depending on the pathology”, the doctor explained to us.

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