What is respiratory failure, and what causes it? Respiratory failure is characterized by the inability of the lungs to exchange gases. This means that the lungs are unable to remove carbon dioxide from the body or provide the body with oxygen-rich blood. Acute respiratory failure is a serious illness as oxygen cannot reach the heart, …
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs. It is caused by long-term exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke, second-hand smoke, air pollution and workplace exposure to dust, smoke or fumes as well as conditions such as emphysema and bronchitis. Emphysema causes destruction of …
Asthma is a chronic airway condition which is when the bronchial tubes become inflames, making it difficult for air to flow through these airways. The cause of asthma is known to be a condition of environmental and genetic factors and is worsened when exposed to various irritants, known as triggers. When triggers are encountered asthma …
