Respiratory Insufficiency

Respiratory insufficiency usually indicate inadequate exchange of oxygen and carbondioxide to meet the needs of the body during normal activities.

Respiratory Failure: When ventilation is insufficient to achieve gas exchange even at rest.

Disorders which can lead to or associated with respiratory insufficiency and failure:

Pulmonary Disorders 

1. Infection 
2. Pulmonary oedema 
3. Embolus 
4. COPD 
5. ARDS 
6. Cancer 
7. Chest Trauma 
8. Severe atelectasis 

Non-Pulmonary Disorders

1. CNS disturbance due to drug overdose, anaesthesia, head injury. 
2. Neuromuscular disorders-Guillain-Barre's Syndrome, Myasthenia gravis, Multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, poliomyelitis,muscular dystrophy.