title: Optimisation of respiratory function.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To apply pathophysiological principles in the management of patients with acute and chronic respiratory impairment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Knowledge of the pathophysiology of respiratory disorders is a key element in treatment of patients with impending or established respiratory failure. Therapies to improve and support abnormal gas exchange will minimise the complications of hypoxia and interventions to optimise ventilation and work of breathing may obviate the need for mechanical ventilation.
authors.affiliation: Intensive Care Unit, St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, VIC.
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Santamaria
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D011659:Pulmonary Gas Exchange; D012119:Respiration / Q000502:physiology; D012121:Respiration, Artificial; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000097:blood / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D012137:Respiratory System / Q000503:physiopathology*