Patient Education – Respiratory Failure

What It Is

Respiratory failure happens when your lungs cannot get enough oxygen into your blood or remove enough carbon dioxide from your body. This means your body’s organs do not get the oxygen they need to work properly.

Causes and Risk Factors

Common causes:

• Chronic lung diseases (COPD, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis)
  
  

• Severe infections like pneumonia
  
  

• Injury to the chest or lungs
  
  

• Blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism)
  
  

• Weak breathing muscles (neuromuscular disorders)
  
  

• Overdose of drugs that slow breathing
  
  

• Fluid in the lungs (heart failure)
  
  

Risk factors:

• Smoking
  
  

• Long-term exposure to dust, fumes, or pollution
  
  

• Older age
  
  

• Weak immune system
  
  

• Being very overweight
  
  

• Untreated or poorly controlled chronic illnesses
  
  

Signs and Symptoms

Early warning signs:

• Shortness of breath, even at rest
  
  

• Trouble breathing while lying flat
  
  

• Fast breathing
  
  

• Fatigue or tiredness
  
  

• Confusion or trouble thinking clearly
  
  

Other symptoms:

• Bluish lips or fingertips
  
  

• Chest tightness
  
  

• Fast heart rate
  
  

• Wheezing or coughing
  
  

• Anxiety or restlessness
  
  

Complications If Untreated

If respiratory failure is not treated:

• Damage to the brain, heart, and other organs
  
  

• Irregular heartbeat or heart failure
  
  

• Coma
  
  

• Death
  
  

Treatment and Self-Care Measures

Treatment depends on the cause and severity:

• Oxygen therapy (nasal cannula, mask, or machine)
  
  

• Breathing support (BiPAP, CPAP, ventilator)
  
  

• Medicines to open airways, reduce swelling, or fight infection
  
  

• Pulmonary rehabilitation
  
  

• Treating the underlying cause (antibiotics, diuretics, surgery, etc.)
  
  

Self-care measures:

• Take medicines exactly as prescribed
  
  

• Use oxygen as ordered — do not adjust flow without medical advice
  
  

• Rest when needed but try gentle movement to keep strength
  
  

• Keep track of symptoms and report changes early
  
  

• Attend all doctor and therapy appointments
  
  

Common Types of Medications

• Bronchodilators – open airways (possible side effects: shaky hands, fast heartbeat)
  
  

• Steroids – reduce swelling in lungs (possible side effects: weight gain, mood changes, high blood sugar)
  
  

• Diuretics – remove extra fluid (possible side effects: dehydration, low potassium)
  
  

• Antibiotics/antivirals – treat infections (possible side effects: stomach upset, allergic reaction)
  
  

• Sedation medications (if on a ventilator) – keep you calm and comfortable
  
  

Dietary Needs

• Eat a balanced diet with enough protein to help healing
  
  

• Small, frequent meals to avoid feeling too full while breathing
  
  

• Limit salt if you have heart problems or fluid retention
  
  

• Drink enough water unless your doctor limits fluids
  
  

• Avoid gas-producing foods that make breathing harder
  
  

Lifestyle Changes

• Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
  
  

• Avoid strong fumes, chemicals, and dusty places
  
  

• Keep vaccinations up to date (flu, pneumonia, COVID-19)
  
  

• Practice breathing exercises
  
  

• Maintain a healthy weight
  
  

Safety Considerations

• If you use oxygen, keep it away from open flames or sparks
  
  

• Make sure tubing is not a tripping hazard
  
  

• Have a backup oxygen supply
  
  

• Know how to use emergency inhalers or breathing devices
  
  

• Keep emergency numbers handy
  
  

Prevention and Maintenance

• Manage chronic lung and heart conditions well
  
  

• Use prescribed inhalers and oxygen every day as ordered
  
  

• Wash hands often to avoid infections
  
  

• Avoid sick contacts when possible
  
  

• Get regular check-ups
  
  

• Monitor symptoms and oxygen levels at home if advised
  
  

When to Call for Help

Call your Home Health Agency or Doctor if you:

• Have more trouble breathing than usual
  
  

• Need to use rescue inhaler or oxygen more often
  
  

• Notice swelling in legs or weight gain of more than 2 pounds in 24 hours
  
  

• Have a cough that gets worse or produces more mucus
  
  

• Feel more tired or weak than normal
  
  

• Notice mild confusion or difficulty concentrating
  
  

• Have a low-grade fever
  
  

Go to the Emergency Room or Call 911 if you:

• Cannot catch your breath at rest
  
  

• Have blue or gray lips, skin, or fingernails
  
  

• Feel dizzy, faint, or confused suddenly
  
  

• Have severe chest pain or pressure
  
  

• Oxygen level is below the limit your doctor gave you, even with oxygen on
  
  

• Cannot speak more than a few words without gasping
  
  

© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911

Patient Homework / Assessment

Instructions: Choose True or False for each statement. Correct any false statements.

1. True or False: Respiratory failure means your lungs are getting enough oxygen but not removing carbon dioxide.
   
   

2. True or False: Smoking is a risk factor for respiratory failure.
   
   

3. True or False: Shortness of breath can be an early warning sign.
   
   

4. True or False: You should change your oxygen flow rate whenever you feel short of breath without calling your doctor.
   
   

5. True or False: Bluish lips can mean low oxygen in the blood.
   
   

6. True or False: If untreated, respiratory failure can cause brain damage.
   
   

7. True or False: Bronchodilators open airways to help you breathe easier.
   
   

8. True or False: You should avoid strong fumes if you have breathing problems.
   
   

9. True or False: Eating large meals can make breathing harder.
   
   

10. True or False: You should always finish antibiotics, even if you feel better.
    
    

11. True or False: You should call 911 if you have chest pain and trouble breathing.
    
    

12. True or False: Vaccines can help prevent infections that cause respiratory failure.
    
    

13. True or False: You should rest all day and avoid any movement if you have respiratory failure.
    
    

14. True or False: It is safe to smoke while using oxygen as long as you are careful.
    
    

15. True or False: Drinking enough water can help thin mucus unless your doctor limits fluids.
    
    

16. True or False: Confusion can be a sign of low oxygen.
    
    

17. True or False: Pulmonary rehabilitation can help improve breathing strength.
    
    

18. True or False: Avoiding people who are sick can help prevent infections.
    
    

19. True or False: You should wear your oxygen as prescribed, even if you feel okay.
    
    

20. True or False: Shortness of breath while lying flat is not important and can be ignored.
    
    

Individualized Questions for Patient

• What is the cause of your respiratory failure?
  
  

• Do you know your target oxygen saturation level?
  
  

• How often should you check your oxygen level at home?
  
  

• Which medications do you take daily for your lungs?
  
  

• What side effects should you watch for from your medications?
  
  

• How much oxygen do you use at rest and during activity?
  
  

• Are you on a low-salt diet? If yes, what foods do you avoid?
  
  

• Have you received your flu and pneumonia vaccines?
  
  

• What breathing exercises do you use?
  
  

• What symptoms mean you should call 911 immediately?