respiratory failure
Last reviewed 01/2018
Possible causes of respiratory failure include:
- pulmonary disease, e.g. exacerbation of chronic bronchitis and emphysema; post-operative pneumonia from accumulated secretions.
- thoracic cage abnormalities, e.g. ankylosing spondylosis.
- neuromuscular dysfunction, e.g. motor neurone disease.
Tracheostomy in respiratory failure allows:
- reduction of respiratory dead space
- bypassing of laryngeal resistance
- bronchial secretion removal
- humidified oxygen administration
- when necessary, positive-pressure ventilation