What question did this study set out to answer?

To report a case of acute respiratory failure in a patient with chronic lung disease and analyze clinical management.

April 13, 2026

Acute Respiratory Failure Imposed on Chronic Lung Disease

Key Points

To report a case of acute respiratory failure in a patient with chronic lung disease and analyze clinical management.
Case reported in an emergency room setting
Patient underwent arterial blood analysis
Intubation and mechanical ventilation were performed
Patient exhibited PaCO2 levels greater than 70 torr
Confirmed severe hypoxemia
Patient was intubated for respiratory support

Abstract

A 68-year-old woman was seen in the emergency room with severe shortness of breath and dyspnea that had worsened over the previous 48 hours and had not responded to albuterol (Proventil), theophylline (Theo-Dur), and oxygen therapy, at home. Wheezing, a prolonged expiratory phase, and cough productive of mucopurulent sputum were obvious on examination. Analysis of arterial blood confirmed acute respiratory failure, with PaCO2 > 70 torr, severe hypoxemia, and anemia. Consequently, the patient was intubated and mechanically ventilated. A chest radiograph was taken soon after intubation and is shown in Figure 1.

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