OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
Respiratory depression is defined as inadequate ventilation, which may be characterized by irregular respiratory rhythm, slowed respiratory rate, and stridor. It is often caused by drug accumulation, reduced lung function, and surgical comorbidities.
Is it covered by medical insurance?
Yes
Department
Respiratory Medicine, Anesthesiology
Clinical symptoms
Irregular respiratory rhythm, slowed respiratory rate, respiratory maneuvers but no ventilation.
Hazards
Life-threatening cardiac arrest may occur.
Examination
Blood gas analysis, pulmonary function tests, etc.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made on the basis of medical history, signs of inadequate ventilation such as irregular respiratory rhythm, slowed respiratory rate, wheezing, etc., combined with blood gas analysis and pulmonary function tests.
Treatment principle
Treat the cause of the disease, keep the airway open, assist ventilation, and give high concentration of oxygen.
Curability
Aggressive treatment can relieve symptoms.
Dietary advice
1. Light liquid or semi-liquid diet in acute stage, enteral or parenteral nutritional support for those who cannot eat. 2. Normal diet in recovery stage, pay attention to nutritional balance.
Causes
Etiology
Application of respiratory depressant drugs, preoperative presence of central nervous system lesions, perioperative cerebrovascular accidents, hypothermia, hyperventilation leading to lower partial pressure of carbon dioxide, residual effect of neuromuscular blocking agents, electrolyte disorders, obesity, etc.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Typical symptoms
Irregular respiratory rhythm, slowed respiratory rate, respiratory movements but no ventilation, uncoordinated chest and abdominal respiratory movements, severe wheezing, obvious depression of the suprasternal fossa, supraclavicular fossa, and intercostal space during inhalation, accelerated or slowed heart rate, and even cardiac arrest.
Diagnostic basis
1. There may be history of application of anesthetics, inotropes and other drugs or history of surgery or history of central nervous system diseases. 2. There are manifestations of irregular respiratory rhythm, slow respiratory rate, respiratory movements without ventilation, and uncoordinated thoracic and abdominal respiratory movements, etc. 3. The examination of blood gas analysis reveals manifestations of decreased oxygen saturation, decreased partial pressure of oxygen, and increased partial pressure of carbon dioxide, etc. 4. The examination of pulmonary function suggests insufficient lung ventilation. 5.
Treatment
Treatment guidelines
Treat the cause of the disease, keep the airway open, assist ventilation, and give high concentration of oxygen.
Drug treatment
Naloxone, neostigmine, aminophylline and glucocorticoids are commonly used as antagonists.
Other treatments
1. Synchronize the frequency of assisted ventilation with the patient’s respiratory rhythm. If the patient is not breathing, controlled breathing should be performed. 2. Aggressive treatment targeting the cause of the disease.
Prognosis
Aggressive treatment may improve the prognosis.
Nursing care
Daily care
1. Pay attention to rest and appropriate exercise. 2. Avoid respiratory tract infection. 3.
Dietary management
1. Light liquid or semi-liquid diet in acute stage, and enteral or parenteral nutritional support for those who cannot eat. 2. Normal diet in recovery stage, and pay attention to balanced nutrition. 3.