Respiratory failure occurs when the lungs cannot provide enough oxygen to the blood or remove carbon dioxide from it. This condition can result from various issues, including lung diseases, infections, or injuries. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, confusion, and rapid breathing. There are two main types of respiratory failure: hypoxemic, where oxygen levels are low, and hypercapnic, where carbon dioxide levels are high. Treatment often involves supplemental oxygen, medications, or mechanical ventilation to support breathing and restore normal gas exchange in the body.