My brother’s lungs have failed

My 36-year-old brother had an accident last week and injured his chest. The emergency doctor told us that he suffered lung failure (Acute respiratory failure). He is now hospitalised. Provide more information on this problem.

Hafsy M.

Lung or respiratory failure results from inadequate gas exchange by the respiratory system, meaning that the arterial oxygen, carbon dioxide or both cannot be kept at normal levels. A drop in the oxygen carried in blood is known as hypoxemia; a rise in arterial carbon dioxide levels is called hypercapnia.

Also according to Healthline.com “acute respiratory failure occurs when fluid builds up in the air sacs in your lungs. When that happens, lungs can’t release oxygen into blood. In turn, organs can’t get enough oxygen-rich blood to function. One also develops acute respiratory failure if lungs can’t remove carbon dioxide from blood.”

The two types of acute and chronic respiratory failure are hypoxemic and hypercapnic. Both conditions can trigger serious complications.

1. Hypoxemic respiratory failure means that you don’t have enough oxygen in your blood but your levels of carbon dioxide are close to normal.

2. Hypercapnic respiratory failure means there’s too much carbon dioxide in your blood and near normal or not enough oxygen. Potential causes: 1. Obstruction; when something lodges in the throat, one may have trouble getting enough oxygen into the lungs.

2. Injury; an injury that impairs or compromises respiratory system can adversely affect the amount of oxygen in the blood. For instance, an injury to the spinal cord or brain can immediately affect breathing. The brain tells the lungs to breathe. If the brain can’t relay messages due to injury or damage, the lungs can’t continue to function properly.An injury to the ribs or chest can also hamper the breathing process.

3. Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS); is a serious condition characterized by low oxygen in the blood. ARDS affects one who already has an underlying health problem such as pneumonia, pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), or heart attack.

4. Drug or Alcohol Abuse; an overdose on drugs or too much alcohol, can impair brain function and hinder brain’s ability to tell the lungs to breathe in or exhale. Source: www.calculators.org

5. Chemical Inhalation; inhaling toxic chemicals, smoke, or fumes can also cause acute respiratory failure. These chemicals may injure or damage the tissues of your lungs.

6. Stroke; a stroke occurs when the brain experiences tissue death or damage on one or both sides of the brain. Often, it affects only one side. Although stroke does present some warning signs, such as slurred speech or confusion, it typically occurs quickly. If one has a stroke, one may lose ability to breathe properly.

People at risk of acute respiratory failure? 1. Smoke tobacco products. 2. Drink alcohol excessively. 3. Have a family history of respiratory disease or conditions.

4. Sustain an injury to the spine, brain or chest.

5. Have chronic (long-term) respiratory problems, such as cancer of the lungs, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or asthma. Symptoms 1. An inability to breathe and bluish coloration in the skin, fingertips, or lips.

2. Restlessness and anxiety and confusion.

3. Altered consciousness and rapid, shallow breathing.

4. Racing heart and profuse sweating. Diagnosis 1. Acute respiratory failure requires immediate medical attention. It needs oxygen to help one breathe.

2. Perform a physical exam and ask family or personal health history.

3. Check body’s oxygen and carbon dioxide levels level with a pulse oximetry device and an arterial blood gas test and order a chest X-ray to look for abnormalities in the lungs. Treatment options: 1. Treatment usually addresses any underlying conditions one may have.

2. Doctor may prescribe pain medications or other medicines to help one breathe better.

3. For severe cases, a tracheostomy, an operation that creates an artificial airway in the windpipe, may be necessary.

4. One may receive oxygen via an oxygen tank or ventilator to help breathe better.