Type 1 respiratory failure

Question 1

What is the normal PaO2?

Answer 1

10-13.3 kPa

Question 2

What is the normal PaCO2?

Answer 2

4.7-6.0 kPa

Question 3

What is type 1 respiratory failure?

Answer 3

low level of oxygen (hypoxaemia) but normal level of CO2 (no hypercapnia)

Question 4

What is interstitial lung disease?

Answer 4

lung disease that affects the tissue and space around lung air spaces, often results in pulmonary fibrosis

Question 5

When does interstitial lung disease often become symptomatic?

Answer 5

Late, when fibrosis is present

median age 50-60

Question 6

What causes type 1 respiratory failure?

Answer 6

V/Q mismatch
(ventilation/perfusion) - volume of air flowing in and out of lungs is not matched with the flow of blood to the lungs

can be caused by a pulmonary embolus blocking the pulmonary artery, or pneumonia causing poor gas transfer

Question 7

Symptoms of type 1 respiratory failure?

Answer 7

Dyspnoea

Question 8

Is type 1 respiratory failure restrictive or obstructive?

Answer 8

Restrictive

Question 9

What would be the changes in FEV1?

Answer 9

Reduced

Question 10

What would be the changes in FEV1/FVC ratio?

Answer 10

Increased (because smaller FEV1)

Question 11

What are the symptoms of ILD?

Answer 11

Clubbing
Breathlessness
Crackles

Question 12

What can interstitial lung fibrosis be related to?

Answer 12

Rheumatoid arthritis

Question 13

What can methotrexate (arthritis medication) do to the lungs?

Answer 13

MTX-induced pneumonitis is an acute inflammatory condition of the lungs which causes relatively abrupt onset of breathlessness which may be associated with cough and fever

Question 14

Side effects of steroid therapy

Answer 14

Thrush
bruising
increased weight
Cushing's syndrome - striae, moon face
increased infection risk
osteoporosis

Question 15

Medical intervention for type 1 respiratory failure

Answer 15

Treat underlying cause

oxygen