AHRF

Medical abbreviation · Respiratory

AHRF
Stands forAcute hypoxemic respiratory failure
CategoriesMedical

AHRF stands for Acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, a respiratory abbreviation.

Respiratory failure characterized mainly by low blood oxygen despite supplemental oxygen, commonly from pneumonia, ARDS, pulmonary edema or pulmonary embolism. Patients breathe rapidly and may tire, risking intubation.

Example: AHRF from COVID pneumonia: HFNC at 50 L/min, FiO2 0.7, awake proning encouraged.

Usage notes

The FLORALI trial (2015) found that high-flow nasal oxygen reduced 90-day mortality compared with standard oxygen or noninvasive ventilation in patients with hypoxemic failure. Awake prone positioning was widely adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Clinicians monitor for signs that intubation is needed, such as worsening oxygenation, exhaustion or altered mental status.

More respiratory abbreviations

  • AATD – Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
  • ABPA – Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
  • AC – Assist-control ventilation
  • AECOPD – Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
  • AERD – Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease
  • AHI – Apnea-hypopnea index
  • APAP – Automatic positive airway pressure
  • APRV – Airway pressure release ventilation
  • ARDS – Acute respiratory distress syndrome
  • ARF – Acute respiratory failure
  • ATS – American Thoracic Society
  • BAL – Bronchoalveolar lavage

See all 109 respiratory abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.