Clinical meaning
Respiratory Failure Management involves alterations in airway structure, gas exchange, or pulmonary vascular function. Respiratory Failure Management pathophysiology includes changes in ventilation-perfusion matching, airway resistance, and pulmonary compliance.
Diagnosis & workup
Diagnostics & workup: - 6-minute walk test for functional capacity assessment - Bronchoscopy with BAL for diagnostic sampling - D-dimer (high sensitivity, low specificity for PE) - ABG: pH, PaCO2, PaO2, HCO3, A-a gradient calculation - Methacholine challenge for suspected asthma with normal spirometry - CT chest high-resolution for interstitial/parenchymal disease - Pulmonary function tests: FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC ratio, DLCO
Risk factors: - Connective tissue disease with ILD predisposition - Environmental allergen sensitization (dust mites, mold, pollen) - GERD with chronic microaspiration - Occupational dust/chemical exposure (asbestos, silica, coal) - Radiation therapy to chest - Family history of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency - Current or former tobacco use (pack-year calculation)