Respiratory failure happens when not enough oxygen passes from your lungs into your blood. Your body’s organs, such as your heart and brain, need oxygen-rich blood to work well. Respiratory failure also can happen if your lungs can’t remove carbon dioxide (a waste gas) from your blood. Too much carbon dioxide in your blood can harm your body’s organs.
Diseases and conditions that affect your breathing can cause respiratory failure. Examples include
Treatment for respiratory failure depends on whether the condition is acute (short-term) or chronic (ongoing) and how severe it is. It also depends on the underlying cause. You may receive oxygen therapy and other treatment to help you breathe.
NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
It can be scary when your baby is sick, especially when it is not an everyday problem like a cold or a fever. You may not know whether the problem is serious or how to treat it. If you have concerns about your baby’s health, call your health care provider right away.
Learning information about your baby’s condition can help ease your worry. Do not be afraid to ask questions about your baby’s care. By working together with your health care provider, you make sure that your baby gets the best care possible.