Answer:
When a person has acute respiratory failure, the usual exchange between oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs does not occur. As a result, enough oxygen cannot reach the heart, brain, or the rest of the body.
This can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, a bluish tint in the face and lips, and confusion.
Acute respiratory failure has many possible causes. The cause may be acute, including pneumonia, or chronic, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Acute respiratory failure is a serious illness. If a person thinks they or someone else has it, they should seek immediate medical attention.
A doctor can evaluate the person’s breathing, the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, and the overall symptoms to determine appropriate treatments.
