Respiratory Failure

Respiratory failure is a serious condition associated with the respiratory tract arising from inadequate gas exchange by the respiratory system. It can broadly be categorized into hypoxemia and hypercapnia. The condition of having abnormally low level of oxygen in the blood is known as hypoxemia. Hypercapnia is a condition associated with abnormally elevated carbon dioxide levels in the blood. Respiratory failure can be classified either as Type I or Type II, on the basis of the presence of abnormal blood gases. Some of the common causes of respiratory failure include reduced breathing caused due to drug intake, reduced air flow caused due to the physical obstruction in the body by foreign masses and thromboembolic conditions. Treatment methods include mechanical ventilation, endotracheal intubation and continuous positive airway pressure. The topics included in this book on respiratory failure are of utmost significance and bound to provide incredible insights to readers. It will also provide interesting topics for research, which interested readers can take up. This book is a resource guide for experts as well as students.