Respiratory failure is not an adequate diagnosis—it’s merely a descriptive term for a condition arising from many potential underlying disorders. Without a specific diagnosis, it’s impossible to properly guide further investigations and treatments. While detailed treatment is beyond this module’s scope, consider the following possible causes:

• Pulmonary causes:
  • Pneumonia
  • ARDS
  • COPD (see NICE guidelines)
  • Asthma
  • Pulmonary embolus (thrombus, fat, air)
  • Pneumothorax
  • Atelectasis
  • Interstitial lung disease (e.g. acute interstitial pneumonitis, drug-induced pneumonitis, pulmonary fibrosis)
  • Pulmonary haemorrhage
  • Organising pneumonia
  • Drug-induced lung disease
  • Pulmonary contusions
  • Diaphragmatic splinting from elevated abdominal pressure
• Cardiac causes:
  • Cardiomyopathy (ischemic, idiopathic, hypertrophic, peripartum)
  • Valvular heart disease
• Other causes:
  • Drug overdose
  • Muscular weakness

Please review the Pathophysiological mechanisms of respiratory failure PDF within the Key Documents section for more detailed information.