Question

Difference between type 1 and type 2 respiratory failure

Answer 1

Respiratory failure is a disease of the lungs. The respiratory system basically consists of a gas exchanging organ (the lungs) and a ventilatory pump (respiratory muscles and the thorax). Either or both of these can fail and cause respiratory failure. Respiratory failure occurs when gas echange at the lungs is sufficiently impaired to cause a drop in blood levels of oxgyen (hypoxaemia); this may occur with or without an increase in carbon dioxide levels. The definition of respiratory failure is PaO27kPa (55mmHg). Respiratory failure is divided into type I and type II.

Type I respiratory failure involves low oxygen, and normal or low carbon dioxide levels.

Type II respiratory failure involves low oxygen, with high carbon dioxide.

Answer 2

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 blood is known as hypoxemia; a rise in arterial carbon dioxide levels is called hypercapnia. Respiratory failure is classified as either Type I or Type II, based on whether there is a high carbon dioxide level. The definition of respiratory failure in clinical trials usually includes increased respiratory rate, abnormal blood gases (hypoxemia, hypercapnia, or both), and evidence of increased work of breathing