[Respiratory insufficiency in acute lung diseases].

The diagnosis of respiratory failure is based on pathological findings in arterial blood gas analysis. Thus, even in emergent cases with acute pulmonary disorders, rapid differentiation of the amount and nature of the respiratory impairment is possible. Furthermore, evaluation of the blood gas analysis may be an essential factor in the choice of therapeutic procedures. Hypoxia should be treated by strictly controlled oxygen administration, to avoid further respiratory depressant effects. Patients with acute and progressive respiratory acidosis usually need artificial ventilation by volume- or pressure-cycled respirator. Some important modifications of ventilation are recommended with a view to improving pulmonary gas exchange and decreasing the incidence of complications, especially during the long-term treatment with respirators.