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Related Concept Videos

Acute Respiratory Failure-III01:30

Acute Respiratory Failure-III

Hypercapnic respiratory failure, also known as Type 2 or ventilatory respiratory failure, is a severe condition characterized by the body's inability to effectively remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the bloodstream. It leads to an arterial CO2 pressure (PaCO2) exceeding 45 mmHg and a blood pH above 7.35. This situation indicates that the body's ventilatory demand, or the ventilation needed to maintain normal PaCO2 levels, surpasses its supply or the maximum gas flow achievable without causing...
Hyperpnea and Hyperventilation01:25

Hyperpnea and Hyperventilation

Hyperventilation refers to a higher-than-normal rate and depth of breathing, often associated with anxiety attacks. This excessive breathing surpasses the body's need to expel CO2, leading to a condition known as hypocapnia - an unusually low level of carbon dioxide in the blood. Hypocapnia can constrict cerebral blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the brain, which may result in dizziness or fainting. Early signs include tingling and muscle spasms in the hands and face, caused by falling...
Acute Respiratory Failure-I01:21

Acute Respiratory Failure-I

Acute respiratory failure is a condition characterized by the inability of the lungs to perform their primary function: gas exchange. This failure leads to insufficient oxygen levels (hypoxemia) in the blood, elevated carbon dioxide levels (hypercapnia), or both, causing critical impairment in organ function.
Definition: It is defined by specific criteria based on blood gas measurements. Hypoxemia happens when the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) falls below 60 mmHg. At the same time,...
Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations01:13

Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations

Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...
Acute Respiratory Failure-II01:21

Acute Respiratory Failure-II

Type I Respiratory Failure, or hypoxemic respiratory failure, occurs when the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) in arterial blood falls below 60 mmHg while breathing room air without a corresponding increase in arterial carbon dioxide levels (PaCO2). This condition highlights a significant impairment in the lungs' capacity to oxygenate the blood.
The underlying physiological abnormalities that contribute to hypoxemic respiratory failure include:
Acute Respiratory Failure-IV01:23

Acute Respiratory Failure-IV

Respiratory failure can manifest suddenly or gradually, characterized by a rapid decline in PaO2 and a rapid rise in PaCO2. This situation indicates a severe respiratory problem that may quickly become a life-threatening emergency. One of the early signs of hypoxemic Acute Respiratory Failure (ARF) is a change in mental status due to the brain's sensitivity to oxygen levels and changes in acid-base balance. Symptoms such as restlessness, confusion, and agitation suggest inadequate oxygen...

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Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
14:39

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Published on: November 4, 2010

[Severe hypercapnia in asthmatic attack].

Nicola Makhoul1, Raymond Farah, Fabio Zveibil

  • 1Respiratory Intensive Care Unit, Western Galilee Hospital, Nahariya, Israel. Nicola.makhoul@naharia.health.gov.il

Harefuah
|January 16, 2007
PubMed
Summary

Severe asthma attacks in adults can cause dangerous hypercapnia (high carbon dioxide levels). Pressure mechanical ventilation effectively treated a patient whose condition didn't improve with standard medical care.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonology
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Severe asthma exacerbations can lead to respiratory failure.
  • Hypercapnia, a critical complication, often requires advanced respiratory support.

Observation:

  • An adult male patient presented with a severe asthmatic attack.
  • The patient exhibited severe hypercapnia refractory to intensive medical treatments.

Findings:

  • Pressure mechanical ventilation was administered to the patient.
  • The patient's severe hypercapnia responded favorably to pressure mechanical ventilation.

Implications:

  • Pressure mechanical ventilation should be considered for severe asthmatic attacks with refractory hypercapnia.
  • This case highlights an alternative treatment strategy for severe respiratory compromise in asthma.

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