What does respiratory failure feel like?

Ah, respiratory failure. It’s like the black sheep of medical conditions. Everyone knows about it but no one really wants to talk about it. And who can blame them? Not me, that’s for sure.

But in all seriousness, what exactly does respiratory failure feel like? Well my friends, buckle up and get ready for a wild ride filled with cough excitement.

Enter The Lungs

First off, let’s talk about where this whole mess starts: the lungs. You know those two bouncy balls located in your chest cavity that you probably take for granted every day? Yeah those ones.

When your respiratory system is functioning properly (which thank god it usually does), these bad boys are doing their job by exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide so we can breathe easy insert peace sign here. But when things start to go awry (dun dun dun) that’s when we start feeling some major changes in our body – specifically around 17-20 breaths per minute if you’re counting .

Shortness Of Breath

One of the most common symptoms associated with respiratory failure is shortness of breath (or as fancy medical professionals would say “dyspnea”) . Now don’t be fooled by its innocent sounding name; dyspnea means business.

It literally feels like someone is sitting on your chest while also simultaneously stuffing cotton balls into your nose until they reach all the way down to your toes. Sounds delightful doesn’t it?

This sensation occurs because without enough oxygen circulating throughout your body thanks to failing lungs or heart problems, well…your organs suffer which causes shortness of breath and sometimes even physical fatigue faster than Usain Bolt running away from an angry swarm of bees (and trust me he’d run fast).

So basically imagine trying to exercise after eating 3 plates of spaghetti covered in that cheap sauce from Walmart – yeah, not so fun.

Hellacious Headaches

Another symptom that may rear its ugly head is a hellacious headache. And again, please note the fancy medical terminology (you’re welcome).

A sudden onset of headaches can occur when your body’s oxygen levels decrease significantly, causing blood vessels in the brain to dilate (I know what you’re thinking…totally sexy) and thus lead to increased pressure in your noggin.

This feeling is akin to being stuck behind a group of slow walkers at Disney World on a hot day with no end in sight. You just can’t escape or find relief no matter how hard you try. Add some pounding and throbbing pain into the mix and voila! You have yourself one heck of an experience (sarcasm intended).

Buh-Bye Color

One symptom that many people don’t realize is associated with respiratory failure is having a bluish tint around their lips or fingernails (potentially leading to hypoxemia if I may add) .

This happens when there isn’t enough oxygen circulating throughout your body thanks once again to faulty breathing mechanics. And let me tell ya folks: blue ain’t really anyone’s color.

Think Violet Beauregarde from Willy Wonka but without all the gum-chewing sassiness going on. Not cute friends, not cute at all.

Heart Pounding

Lastly, another potential symptom of respiratory failure can be an elevated heart rate which oftentimes leads people straight into full-blown freak out mode.

When our brains sense that we aren’t getting enough oxygen they send signals for our hearts to beat faster as a means of trying to get more air flowing through our bodies (see? Even during times like these our bodies are trying their absolute best) . But alas, this rapid heartbeat sensation only adds fuel to an already frustrating fire.

So there you have it folks! A comedic exploration of what respiratory failure ( hopefully not) feels like. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to go take a deep breath and thank my lungs for all they do (seriously though, thank your organs people!!)

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