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Type 1 respiratory failure, also known as hypoxemic respiratory failure, is defined by an inability to maintain adequate oxygenation, characterized by low arterial oxygen levels (hypoxemia) in the absence of elevated carbon dioxide levels (normocapnia). In contrast, Type 2 respiratory failure occurs when there is not only hypoxemia but also elevated levels of carbon dioxide in the blood (hypercapnia). This distinction is critical in clinical settings as it influences the approach to treatment.

Type 1 respiratory failure can be caused by conditions such as pneumonia, pulmonary edema, or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), where the primary issue is the oxygen exchange in the lungs. Type 2 respiratory failure often arises from conditions affecting the central nervous system, neuromuscular disorders, or lung diseases where the respiratory drive is compromised, resulting in inadequate ventilation and subsequent buildup of carbon dioxide.

Understanding this distinction is vital for clinicians, as it helps determine the appropriate management strategies—such as the need for supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation based on the underlying causes and the patient's clinical state.