Impaired Gas Exchange
Introduction
Gas exchange takes place between the alveoli and the pulmonary capillaries through the process of diffusion. Both oxygen and carbon dioxide diffuse across the alveolar-capillary permeable membrane according to their concentration gradient. The concentration differences are maintained by the airflow of the alveoli, also known as ventilation and blood flow of the pulmonary capillaries-perfusion (Radermacher, Maggiore & Mercat, 2017). Usually, concentration differences are always maintained. However, certain conditions may interrupt this balance resulting in Impaired Gas Exchange.
Impaired Gas Exchange
Impaired Gas Exchange refers to a situation when the oxygen volume is in excess or deficit concerning the removal of carbon dioxide gas across the permeable alveolar-capillaries membrane (de Almeida & da Cruz, 2017). Several factors result in this abnormal gas exchange. Some are physiological factors, whereas some are environmental.
Conditions Contributing to Impaired Gas Exchange
The collapse or alteration in the shape and size of the alveoli is one of the leading causes of Impaired Gas Exchange. The alveoli collapse may be a result of infection from diseases such as pneumonia, pulmonary edema, and or surgical procedures that involve the use of anesthesia (Hedenstierna & Edmark, 2015). Environmental factors like high altitudes may also lead to impaired Gas Exchange. Additionally, chronic respiratory diseases such as emphysema may also cause Impaired Gas Exchange (de Almeida & da Cruz, 2017).
Characteristics of Impaired Gas Exchange
Persons experiencing this condition may show signs and symptoms of abnormal breathing, elevated blood pressure, and headache immediately after sleep (Pascoal et al., 2015). In some cases, they may also symptoms of hypoxemia, visual disturbances, and nasal flaring. Some of the symptoms may be confirmed through a further medical diagnosis.
Conclusion
Impaired Gas Exchange may alter the normal functioning of the body, which may be fatal if appropriate medical intervention is not applied at the right time.
References
de Almeida, A. P., & da Cruz, I. C. (2017). A patient diagnosed with impaired gas exchange-systematized literature review. Journal of Specialized Nursing Care, 9(1).
Hedenstierna, G., & Edmark, L. (2015). Effects of anesthesia on the respiratory system. Best Practice & Research Clinical Anaesthesiology, 29(3), 273-284.
Pascoal, L. M., Lopes, M. V. D. O., Chaves, D. B. R., Beltrão, B. A., Silva, V. M. D., & Monteiro, F. P. M. (2015). Impaired gas exchange: accuracy of defining characteristics in children with an acute respiratory infection. Revista Latino-Americana de enfermagem, 23(3), 491-499.
Radermacher, P., Maggiore, S. M., & Mercat, A. (2017). Fifty years of research in ARDS. Gas exchange in acute respiratory distress syndrome. American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine, 196(8), 964-984.