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

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

Causes

• • Type I

    • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

    • Pneumonia.

    • Pulmonary oedema.

    • Pulmonary fibrosis.

    • Asthma.

    • Pneumothorax.

    • Pulmonary embolism.

    • Pulmonary hypertension.

    • Cyanotic congenital heart disease.

    • Bronchiectasis.

    • Acute respiratory distress syndrome.

    • Kyphoscoliosis.

    • Obesity.

  • Type II

    • COPD.

    • Severe asthma.

    • Drug overdose, poisoning.

    • Myasthenia gravis.

    • Polyneuropathy.

    • Poliomyelitis.

    • Muscle disorders.

    • Head injuries and neck injuries.

    • Obesity.

    • Pulmonary oedema.

    • Adult respiratory distress syndrome.

    • Hypothyroidism.