What defines chronic respiratory failure?

Chronic respiratory failure is characterized by a prolonged inability of the lungs to maintain adequate gas exchange, specifically oxygenation and carbon dioxide removal, for an extended period. This condition often develops gradually due to underlying chronic lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial lung disease, or conditions that affect the neuromuscular system.

In chronic respiratory failure, the patient may not show immediate distress, but over time, the inadequate gas exchange leads to symptoms like fatigue, cyanosis, and shortness of breath during exertion. Unlike acute respiratory failure, which is sudden and requires immediate medical intervention, chronic respiratory failure may allow the patient to adapt to lower levels of oxygen in their blood over a longer duration.

This definition distinguishes chronic respiratory failure from acute conditions, which are typically transient and require urgent treatment, emphasizing the importance of understanding the timeline and permanence of the gas exchange issue in chronic respiratory failure.