Lung Failure: Types, Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Respiratory failure, also known as lung failure, occurs when the lungs can’t deliver enough oxygen to the blood or remove enough carbon dioxide. This disruption prevents vital organs from functioning properly. The condition may develop suddenly, known as acute respiratory failure, or progress gradually over time, known as chronic respiratory failure. Acute cases can escalate rapidly and become life-threatening.

In a healthy system, the lungs absorb oxygen from the air and transfer it into the bloodstream while removing carbon dioxide. Respiratory failure happens when this gas exchange process breaks down. This usually occurs when the capillaries surrounding the lung’s air sacs (alveoli) fail to exchange gases efficiently.

Acute respiratory failure typically results from sudden damage to lung tissues due to injury or illness. In contrast, chronic respiratory failure develops over time, often due to long-term conditions that weaken the respiratory muscles or obstruct the airways.

Types of Lung Failure

Lung Failure is generally classified into four types based on the underlying cause and gas exchange abnormalities:

• Type 1: Hypoxemic respiratory failure – This condition arises when there is a significant decrease in oxygen levels in the blood, while carbon dioxide levels remain within a normal range.
• Type 2: Hypercapnic respiratory failure – This type arises when the lungs are unable to remove sufficient carbon dioxide, resulting in elevated blood levels.
• Type 3: Perioperative respiratory failure – This condition is associated with surgical procedures and often results from changes in lung function during or after surgery.
• Type 4: Respiratory failure due to shock – This form develops when the body goes into shock, reducing blood flow to the lungs and impairing gas exchange.

Symptoms of Lung Failure

They vary depending on the underlying cause and the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels present in the blood. The common symptoms are shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, extreme fatigue, and heart palpitations. In extreme cases, patients may start coughing up blood or experience blood in their mucus.

The blueish colour around the lips, fingertips, and toes is a sign of low oxygen.  This can be accompanied by drowsiness and extreme fatigue, which can make everyday tasks, such as climbing stairs, a difficult ordeal. 

When there is an excess amount of carbon dioxide, a person may experience rapid breathing, confusion, blurred vision, and headaches, accompanied by a pale or bluish discoloration of the skin, as well as behavioral symptoms such as agitation or restlessness.

Causes of Lung Failure

Lung failure occurs when the lungs are unable to take in oxygen or effectively supply it to the rest of the body. One major cause is airway obstruction, which occurs when something blocks the bronchi and prevents airflow. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Asthma can also lead to obstruction when the bronchial tubes become narrowed and restrict breathing.

Injuries that affect the lungs or interfere with normal breathing, such as spinal cord injuries, brain trauma, rib fractures, or chest injuries, can contribute to lung failure. In addition, drug overdoses and heavy alcohol consumption can suppress brain activity and disrupt breathing patterns.

Infections, such as pneumonia, are another common cause of severe respiratory distress. When these infections become severe, they can cause damage to lung tissue and other organs. As carbon dioxide levels increase and oxygen delivery decreases, respiratory function continues to deteriorate.

Acute lung failure begins suddenly and is often triggered by an acute illness or injury that affects the lungs or respiratory system. Common causes include pneumonia, stroke, drug overdose, and trauma to the lungs or spinal cord.

Treatment for Lung Failure

The recovery from lung failure depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition, but prompt medical attention is essential. The other key goals include supplying supplemental oxygen and starting mechanical ventilation if needed.

Acute Lung Failure is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment to support breathing and prevent further organ damage. In cases of mild chronic Lung Failure, management can often occur at home by addressing the underlying cause. Once the patient is stabilized, healthcare providers will focus on treating the root cause of the Lung Failure. 

According to the general condition of the patient, the treatment takes the following forms:

Pain and Breathing Support Medications: If a patient experiences pain or has difficulty breathing, pain relief or other respiratory medications may be administered to help maintain adequate breathing function.

Mechanical Ventilation support: When a patient cannot breathe adequately on their own, a breathing tube is inserted through the mouth or nose and connected to a ventilator. In cases where long-term support is needed, a tracheostomy may be performed to create an artificial airway directly in the windpipe.

Supplemental Oxygen and ECMO: For patients with mild hypoxemia, supplemental oxygen may be provided in the hospital through a mask or nasal cannula, or at home with a portable tank. ECMO, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, is a bypass machine that assists lung function by adding oxygen to the blood and removing carbon dioxide.

Intravenous (IV) fluids: IV fluids may be administered to improve the circulatory supply of oxygen to all organs. 

Management of Underlying Conditions: Depending on the cause of Lung Failure, additional therapies, interventions, or medications may be required to treat the underlying conditions contributing to the failure.

Lung Failure isn’t always preventable, but you can reduce your risk of chronic Lung Failure by effectively managing any ongoing heart, lung, or neurological conditions. If you have a condition that could lead to Lung Failure, consult your healthcare provider for strategies to minimise your risk.

Importance of Early Action on Managing Lung Failure

Lung failure can become life-threatening if not treated promptly. It happens when the lungs can no longer exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide effectively. This condition may appear suddenly or develop over time due to chronic illnesses, infections, or physical injuries.

Recognizing symptoms early, seeking timely medical care, and managing risk factors are key to improving outcomes. Acute lung failure often responds well to emergency treatment, while chronic lung failure requires long-term care to monitor disease progression and support quality of life.

Regular health check-ups and following prescribed treatment plans play a major role in minimizing complications and lowering the risk of serious respiratory failure.

Frequently Asked Questions