What is the difference between respiratory failure?

Answer 1

Respiratory failure occurs when the respiratory system fails to adequately exchange gases, leading to insufficient oxygen or excessive carbon dioxide in the blood. It can be classified as either acute or chronic, with acute respiratory failure developing rapidly, often due to conditions like pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), while chronic respiratory failure develops gradually, typically associated with long-term diseases like COPD or pulmonary fibrosis. The primary distinction lies in the underlying causes, duration, and the body's ability to compensate for impaired gas exchange.