Written in a 2003 medical journal, C. Roussos et al, explains that undoubtedly, both types of respiratory failure can coexist in the same patient, as, for example, in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and carbon dioxide retention, or in those with severe pulmonary oedema or asthmatic crisis.
For most people, respiratory failure is diagnosed when they are already in hospital, or have a prior respiratory condition that they are aware of. But for those who need to get medical help, the NHS advises to call 999 immediately to ask for an ambulance if a child or adult is having breathing problems.
Although there is no specific test to diagnose chronic and acute respiratory failure, a medical professional will carry out a full assessment to identify the underlying cause and rule out other conditions.
The assessment is likely to include:
- A physical examination
- Blood tests to measure the amount of oxygen in the blood and check for an infection
- A pulse oximetry test, where a sensor attached to your fingertip, ear or toe is used to Measure how much oxygen your blood is absorbing
- A chest X-ray and a CT scan to look for evidence of ARDS
- An echocardiogram – a type of ultrasound scan that’s used to look at your heart and nearby blood vessels.
