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Respiratory failure

Authoring team

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

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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.

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