Does a person with respiratory failure suffer before they die?

Answer 1

Somewhat, but they don't have to, there is Morphine that can be given to slow down the breating process. They may look like they are suffering but they are not. They are just dying and gasping for air, like I said Morphine helps keep them comfortable. I just seen my mom and my best friend die of respiratory faliure and it's not pretty at all but I was told by the nurses that they were comfortable and didn't even realize because of the Morphine.

Answer 2

Several different abnormalities of breathing function can cause respiratory failure. The major categories, with specific examples of each, are:


Obstruction of the airways. Examples are chronic bronchitis with heavy secretions; emphysema; cystic fibrosis; asthma (a condition in which it is very hard to get air in and out through narrowed breathing tubes).


Weak breathing. This can be caused by drugs or alcohol, which depress the respiratory center; extreme obesity; or sleep apnea, where patients stop breathing for long periods while sleeping.


Muscle weakness. This can be caused by a muscle disease called myasthenia; muscular dystrophy; polio; a stroke that paralyzes the respiratory muscles; injury of the spinal cord; or Lou Gehrig's disease.


Lung diseases, including severe pneumonia. Pulmonary edema, or fluid in the lungs, can be the source of respiratory failure. Also, it can often be a result of heart disease; respiratory distress syndrome; pulmonary fibrosis and other scarring diseases of the lung; radiation exposure; burn injury when smoke is inhaled; and widespread lung cancer.


An abnormal chest wall (a condition that can be caused by scoliosis or severe injury of the chest wall).

A majority of patients with respiratory failure are short of breath. Both low oxygen and high carbon dioxide can impair mental functions. Patients may become confused and disoriented and find it impossible to carry out their normal activities or do their work. Marked C02 excess can cause headaches and, in time, a semi-conscious state, or even coma. Low blood oxygen causes the skin to take on a bluish tinge. It also can cause an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia). Physical examination may show a patient who is breathing rapidly, is restless, and has a rapid pulse. Lung disease may cause abnormal sounds heard when listening to the chest with a stethoscope: wheezing in asthma, "crackles" in obstructive lung disease. A patient with ventilatory failure is prone to gasp for breath, and may use the neck muscles to help expand the chest.

Answer 3

yes its awful watching them stuggle for breath,it can be like drowning slowly

Answer 4

Yes, It is horrible to have to fight to breath. I went through it.

Answer 5

Absolutely, how would you like to be smothered?