Respiratory failure

Respiratory failure is a medicalterm for inadequate gas exchangeby the respiratory system. Respiratory failure can be indicated by observing a drop in blood oxygenlevel and/or a rise in arterial carbon dioxide.

Common causes include pneumonia, chronic obstructive airway disease(caused by tobacco smoking), or drug overdose.

Emergency treatment follows the principles of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Treatment of the underlying cause is required. Mechanical ventilationis often required.

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It uses material from the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Respiratory+failure Wikipedia article Respiratory failure.