| How do the lungs work? | Main symptoms of respiratory failure |

The respiratory system – main symptoms of respiratory failure

People with respiratory failure may develop symptoms due to their reduced oxygen and increased carbon dioxide levels.

These effects may include:

Restlessness, confusion, agitation and breathlessness caused by a lack of oxygen.
Headaches, drowsiness and confusion caused by a build up of carbon dioxide. Respiratory failure can be acute (developing rapidly) or chronic (developing slowly).

Your consultant is the best person to speak to and advise you on your specific medical condition.

Respiratory failure is usually confirmed when you are in hospital by taking/performing an 'arterial blood gas sample'. This sample of blood is taken from an artery rather than from a vein and is usually obtained from the wrist. This provides accurate information about how well the respiratory system exchanges oxygen and carbon dioxide. If a more comprehensive assessment is required, you may also be required to undertake an overnight sleep study and further lung function investigations.