How is respiratory failure (types I and II) diagnosed?

Condition analysis:
1. Tidal volume and vital capacity – these measurements can be taken by simple ‘spirometry’. They are especially useful to monitor progress in patients with respiratory inadequacy due to neuromuscluar problems, such as Guillain-Barre syndrome, in which the vital capacity decreases as the weakness increases.

2. Blood gas analysis – blood gas measurements are required for diagnosis of respiratory failure by definition (see Disease Site). Alterations in oxygenation are also useful in monitoring respiratory failure. In addition, blood gas analysis enables disturbances in acid-base balance (acidosis or alkalosis) to be identified.

3. Pulse oximetry – a light clip placed on the finger or earlobe gives a measure of blood oxygen saturation. This is not as reliable as arterial blood gas analysis, but is much easier and gives a continuous reading.

Instructions:
1. Do not smoke. If you are, work on quitting soon. Smoking would damage your lungs and the lungs of those surrounding you, especially close family and friends. Smoking is the primary cause for many respiratory diseases and you and your loved ones are succumbed to.

2. Educate the young children about the hazards of smoking. It would be better to educate them at an early age to ensure that they can stay protected from this unhealthy habit and protect their lung health.

3. Avoid inhaling second-hand smoke. Being a passive smoker by inhaling smoke also affects your lungs and increases your chances of being affected by a respiratory disease.

4. Be more proactive and protect your family from passive smoking. You could divert from smokers who are in your way. You could also instruct visitors to your home that smoking would not be tolerated.

5. Always be clean and thoroughly wash your hands. Fight germs by maintaining your hygiene. The spread of infection reduces when everyone does their part to remain clean and germ free.

6. Cover your coughs and sneezes to prevent the spread of flu, cold and other lung diseases.

7. Contribute to limiting outdoor air pollution. Do your part to ensure that everyone breathes in cleaner air.

8. Find out how you could reduce the amount of indoor air pollutants within your house.