Encyclopedia of Health and Medicine

228 The Pulmonary System
• cyanosis
• fatigue
• edema (swelling, typically in the hands and feet)
Doctors measure and assess chronic respiratory
failure through blood levels of oxygen (which are
low) and carbon dioxide (which are high). People
who have chronic respiratory failure also commonly
have PULMONARY HYPERTENSION. Treatment
for chronic respiratory failure attempts to improve
oxygenation through OXYGEN THERAPY and medications
such as bronchodilators and some situations
corticosteroids. The underlying disease and the
person’s response to therapy are key factors in
determining the overall treatment approach.
When chronic respiratory failure results from endstage
pulmonary disease, treatment options are
limited. Some people are candidates for LUNG
TRANSPLANTATION.
See also APNEA; ATELECTASIS; BREATH SOUNDS;
BRONCHIECTASIS; OXYGEN–CARBON DIOXIDE EXCHANGE;
SUDDEN CARDIAC DEATH.