Type I and II respiratory failure

Type 1

    • Defined as hypoxia without hypercapnia

    • PaCO2 may be normal or low

    • Typically caused by a ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) mismatch

    • The basic defect is failure of oxygenation

PaO2

PaCO2

PA-aO2

low (< 60 mmHg (8.0 kPa))

normal or low

increased

Type 2

    • Caused by increased airway resistance

    • Both oxygen and carbon dioxide are affected

    • Defined as the build up of carbon dioxide levels (PaCO2) that has been generated by the body