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T2RF Respiratory failure: Causes and Treatment

Author: Analgesia logo

Last Updated on February 19, 2025 by Analgesia team

T2RF Medical Abbreviation

T2RF stands for Type 2 respiratory failure, a condition in which the body has too much carbon dioxide and not enough oxygen: 

  • ExplanationThe respiratory system can’t remove enough carbon dioxide from the body, leading to a buildup of the gas in the blood. This can be caused by several things, including infections, diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or problems with the respiratory pump.
  • DiagnosisA blood test, usually an arterial blood gas sample, can diagnose T2RF.
  • Treatment: People can sometimes compensate for the high carbon dioxide levels and be monitored at home. If the body can’t compensate, the person may become very unwell and need to be admitted to the hospital. Treatment may include non-invasive ventilation (NIV), also known as bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP), to help the body get rid of the excess carbon dioxide.

Causes Of T2RF

Type 2 respiratory failure (T2RF) is caused by inadequate alveolar ventilation, which leads to a buildup of carbon dioxide in the body. Some common causes of T2RF include: 

  • Central nervous system (CNS) depressionCan be caused by sedatives, strong opioids, head trauma, systemic illness, infections, or stroke 
  • Respiratory muscle weaknessCan be caused by conditions such as Guillain-Barré syndrome 
  • Chest wall deformitiesSuch as kyphoscoliosis or ankylosing spondylitis 
  • Reduced breathing effortCan be caused by drug effects, brain stem lesions, or extreme obesity 
  • Decreased lung area for gas exchangeSuch as in chronic bronchitis 

Symptoms of T2RF

Symptoms of T2RF include:

  • Severe headaches
  • Drowsiness, Confusion, and
  • Unusual jerking or shaking. 

T2RF Treatment

Type 2 respiratory failure (T2RF) can be treated with non-invasive ventilation (NIV), bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP), oxygen therapy, and other treatments. 

Treatments for T2RF

  • Non-invasive ventilation (NIV)A machine that blows air into the lungs through a mask to help with breathing 
  • Bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP)A treatment that helps with gas exchange

 

  • Oxygen therapyA machine that delivers oxygen through a mask or tube 
  • FluidsAn IV that improves blood flow and brings more oxygen to tissues 
  • PhysiotherapyHelps improve quality of life and prevent complications like ventilator dependency 
Other T2RF treatments Long-term treatment at home, Referral to chest specialists, and Hospitalization if the body can’t compensate. 

How T2RF is diagnosed

T2RF is diagnosed with a blood test, usually an arterial blood gas sample (ABG) in the hospital. In the community, capillary testing can be used. 

Additional  information
T2RF is characterized by high carbon dioxide levels. Non-invasive ventilation has a high failure rate

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