Abstract
Respiratory failure is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the UK, and a significant burden on the NHS. It occurs when the lungs fail to provide adequate gas exchange leading to hypoxia and/or hypercapnia. Primary care clinicians will often encounter acute and chronic respiratory failure and have a key role in the management of patients. This review aims to provide a broad overview of the pathophysiology, causes, presentation, investigations and management relevant to primary care.
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