Authors

  1. Lamba, Tejpreet Singh MD
  2. Sharara, Rihab Saeed MD
  3. Singh, Anil C. MD, MPH, FCCP
  4. Balaan, Marvin MD, FCCP

Abstract

Respiratory failure is a condition in which the respiratory system fails in one or both of its gas exchange functions. It is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients admitted to intensive care units. It is a result of either lung failure, resulting in hypoxemia, or pump failure, resulting in alveolar hypoventilation and hypercapnia. This article covers the basic lung anatomy, pathophysiology, and classification of respiratory failure.