Respiratory Failure Critical Care Management
Facing an emergency ICU admission or struggling with fluid buildup in the lungs, Dr. Srikanth’s integrated approach combines clinical vigilance, technological expertise, and human-centered care.
Conditions Treated with Precision
As a patient, you deserve to know what’s happening within your chest—and how it can be treated.
01. Critical Care for Respiratory Emergencies
- Advanced mechanical ventilation strategies
- Non-invasive ventilatory support (CPAP/BiPAP)
- Sepsis control and pulmonary source management
- Lung-protective protocols for patients with severe hypoxia
02. Massive Hemoptysis Management
Massive hemoptysis is a medical emergency demanding swift identification and airway protection. Dr. Kishan Srikanth, a leading Lung Specialist in Hyderabad, applies advanced bronchoscopic techniques to stabilize and manage bleeding with precision.
- Bronchoscopic Localization – Real-time identification of bleeding sites for targeted control.
- Endobronchial Blockers – Lung isolation to prevent airway flooding and maintain oxygenation.
- Interventional Collaboration – Seamless coordination with radiology for bronchial artery embolization when indicated.
- Video Bronchoscopy-Guided Intubation – Airway secured under direct visualization in critical cases.
03. Video Bronchoscopy-Guided Intubation
- Anticipated or known difficult airways
- Critically ill patients with poor oxygen reserves
- Trauma, malignancies, or post-surgical anatomical challenges
Advanced Respiratory Emergency Support
- High-flow oxygen therapy and ventilator strategies tailored to lung mechanics
- Close ICU monitoring and escalation protocols
- Coordinated with intensivists, nephrologists, and cardiologists for multi-organ support
Why Patients Trust Dr. Kishan Srikanth
- Among the top lung specialists in India with DM training from Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi
- Over a decade of experience in critical care and interventional pulmonology
- Trusted for second opinions on complex pleural and ICU cases across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh
- Dedicated OPD and ICU rounds at Yashoda Hospitals, Hitec City
What is respiratory failure, and how is it classified?
Respiratory failure is a life-threatening condition in which the lungs are unable to maintain adequate gas exchange. It is classified into two main types: Type I (hypoxemic) and Type II (hypercapnic), based on oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood.
What are the common causes of acute respiratory failure?
Acute respiratory failure may result from conditions such as severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations, pulmonary embolism, or neuromuscular disorders impairing ventilation.
How is respiratory failure diagnosed in critically ill patients?
Diagnosis involves clinical assessment, arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis, chest imaging, and advanced respiratory monitoring to determine the severity and underlying etiology of the failure.
What role does non-invasive ventilation (NIV) play in managing respiratory failure?
NIV is a first-line intervention in select patients with moderate respiratory distress, particularly in COPD or cardiogenic pulmonary edema, offering effective ventilation support without the need for intubation.
When is mechanical ventilation required in respiratory failure?
In cases of severe hypoxemia, hypercapnia, altered mental status, or respiratory muscle fatigue, endotracheal intubation and invasive mechanical ventilation become essential for airway protection and gas exchange support.
What is ARDS, and how is it managed in the ICU?
ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) is a form of severe lung injury leading to refractory hypoxemia. Management includes lung-protective ventilation strategies, prone positioning, sedation optimization, and, in select cases, ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation).
How does Dr. Kishan Srikanth approach critical care in respiratory failure?
As a leading interventional pulmonologist and critical care expert, Dr. Srikanth provides protocol-driven, evidence-based care with a focus on advanced ventilator strategies, bronchoscopy in ICU settings, and multidisciplinary coordination for optimal outcomes.
Can respiratory failure be managed without ICU admission?
Mild or early-stage respiratory insufficiency may be managed in high-dependency or step-down units with close monitoring. However, true respiratory failure often necessitates ICU-level care for continuous support and rapid intervention.
What long-term support is needed after recovery from respiratory failure?
Patients may require pulmonary rehabilitation, oxygen therapy, nutritional optimization, and follow-up with a lung disease expert to manage residual deficits and prevent recurrence.
Why is early referral to a pulmonologist crucial in suspected respiratory failure?
Early referral ensures timely diagnosis, stabilization, and the initiation of appropriate ventilatory support, reducing complications and improving survival. Delayed intervention may lead to irreversible organ dysfunction.
