Chronic respiratory insufficiency

Alternative names:

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; COPD

Definition:

A prolonged or persistent condition of respiratory (breathing) dysfunction resulting in oxygenation or carbon dioxide elimination at a rate that is not sufficient to meet the demands of the body; it may be severe enough to impair or threaten the function of vital organs (respiratory failure).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Chronic respiratory insufficiency is associated with chronic lung diseases (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or diffuse interstitial pulmonary fibrosis. The body is subjected to chronically reduced oxygen levels or chronically elevated amounts of carbon dioxide. This results in respiratory acidosis (acidic body state associated with lung disorders). The incidence is approximately 5 out of 10,000 people. The biggest risk for chronic lung diseases is smoking.