Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
This leads to impaired gas exchange, most often leading to shortness of breath which can progress to hypoxemia and respiratory failure. Pulmonary edema has multiple causes and is traditionally classified as cardiogenic (caused by the heart) or noncardiogenic (all other types not caused by the heart). [2] [3]
This impairs gas exchange and leads to hypoxia, increased work of breathing, and eventually induces scarring of the air sacs of the lungs. [citation needed] Fluid accumulation in the lungs and decreased surfactant production by type II pneumocytes may cause whole air sacs to collapse or to completely fill with fluid.
Pulmonary function testing (PFT) is a complete evaluation of the respiratory system including patient history, physical examinations, and tests of pulmonary function. The primary purpose of pulmonary function testing is to identify the severity of pulmonary impairment. [1]
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a type of respiratory failure characterized by rapid onset of widespread inflammation in the lungs. [1] Symptoms include shortness of breath (dyspnea), rapid breathing (tachypnea), and bluish skin coloration (cyanosis). [1]
Respiratory failure results from inadequate gas exchange by the respiratory system, meaning that the arterial oxygen, carbon dioxide, or both cannot be kept at normal levels. A drop in the oxygen carried in the blood is known as hypoxemia ; a rise in arterial carbon dioxide levels is called hypercapnia .
Abnormal pulmonary function test results, with evidence of restriction and impaired gas exchange. Some of these features are due to chronic hypoxemia (oxygen deficiency in the blood), and are not specific for IPF, they can occur in other pulmonary disorders. IPF should be considered in all patients with unexplained chronic exertional dyspnea ...
Because gas exchange is impaired, signs of low blood oxygen saturation, such as low concentrations of oxygen in arterial blood gas and cyanosis (bluish color of the skin and mucous membranes) are commonly associated. [6] Dyspnea (painful breathing or difficulty breathing) is commonly seen, [6] and tolerance for exercise may be lowered. [7]
Assessing and monitoring blood gas levels is the most accurate means to identify a state of respiratory compromise in patients. ABG testing does however require an arterial blood sample, which is more invasive and uncomfortable for patients than a pulse oximetry reading that uses a reading based on light and color.