If you have a condition that puts you at risk of respiratory failure, talk to your doctor. He or she can ask questions and do a physical exam to look for issues that may put you at risk of getting respiratory failure in the future. Your doctor can also talk to you about how to manage your condition to prevent respiratory failure. He or she can also screen you if you have a planned surgery.

How to prevent respiratory failure

If you have COPD or another condition that raises your risk of respiratory failure, it is very important to follow your treatment plan.

There are things you can do to keep your lungs healthy, including quitting or not smoking, limiting alcohol, and not misusing opioids or taking illegal drugs. Learn about additional ways to keep your lungs healthy in our How the Lungs Work Health Topic.

Your doctor may also talk to you about other healthy lifestyle changes that can help lower your risk. This may include being physically active, choosing a diet such as the DASH eating plan, aiming for a healthy weight, managing stress, and getting good-quality sleep.