This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Sign in
Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Management

Authoring team

The management of respiratory failure includes the administration of supplemental oxygen, the control of secretions, the treatment of any underlying pulmonary infection, the control of any bronchospasm and measures to limit pulmonary oedema.

Principles:

  • treat the underlying disease

  • physiotherapy

  • oxygen therapy - try to maintain PaO2 > 8 kPa
    • bronchodilators and steroids if there is airways obstruction
    • in some circumstances, respiratory stimulants such as i.v. doxapram 1-4 mg / min, may be indicated if the PaCO2 begins to rise

  • if arterial O2 continues to deteriorate or fails to improve then some form of respiratory support should be considered

  • long-term management should be aimed at the underlying cause of the condition e.g. COAD

Related pages

Create an account to add page annotations

Create a free account

Add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation, such as a web address or phone number. This information will always be displayed when you visit this page

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.