Acute respiratory failure

Abstract

Acute respiratory failure (ARF) is the inability of the respiratory system to continue oxygenation or to eliminate carbon dioxide. ARF is a common life-threatening medical condition with multiple underlying etiologies. A comprehensive evaluation of these patients is essential for the differential diagnosis. In differential diagnosis, ultrasonography has become a part of the standard approach in recent years, along with history, physical examination, tests, blood gas, and chest X-ray. The BLUE protocol, which is one of the ultrasonography protocols used especially in lung pathologies, is frequently used due to its ease of application. Acute pulmonary edema, COPD attack/exacerbation, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, pneumothorax, and massive pleural effusion are the most common causes of acute respiratory failure. Determining the type and etiology of respiratory failure in the emergency department is important for treatment and management.