Causes and Diagnoses

Causes and Diagnoses of Respiratory Failure

The causes of respiratory failure include a variety of lung diseases and neuromuscular conditions. Causes include:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  
• Other obstruction (a tumor or something that’s inhaled)
• Asthma
  
• Pneumonia
  
• Inhaled chemicals
• Brain or spinal cord injury
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Neuromuscular disorder
• Muscular dystrophy
• Obesity hypoventilation

Other risk factors for respiratory failure include:

• Smoking
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Family history of respiratory disease
• Weakened immune system

Diagnosing respiratory failure

A diagnosis of respiratory failure begins with a physical exam and discussion of your symptoms. Other tests may include:

• Spirometry: This test measures the quantity and speed of air you exhale to estimate how much your bronchial tubes are inflamed and narrowed.
• Peak flow meter: This device measures how hard you can exhale. Peak flow meters can be used at home to monitor your condition.
• Arterial blood gas: This blood test checks the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood and measures your blood’s acidity.
• Pulse oximetry: An oximeter measures the amount of oxygen in your blood with a sensor that’s clipped onto your finger.
• Chest X-ray: This test can identify the presence of blockages in the airway.