Defined:
A breathing emergency (considered to be a medical emergency) is any respiratory problem that can threaten a person’s life. It can range from not being able to take a breath to not being able to breathe at all.
Causes:
There are many different causes that can lead to a breathing emergency. Some of these include: |
Allergic reactions |
Asthma |
Chest injury or infection |
Choking |
Fear, pain or anxiety |
Fumes inhalation |
Heart attack |
Heart disease or heart failure |
Infection (i.e., pneumonia), collapsed or punctured lungs |
Injury to the head, neck or chest |
Smoking |
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Signs and Symptoms:
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Breathing is very rapid or very slow |
Chest pain |
Confused and aggressive behavior |
Cough |
Noisy breathing (wheezing or whistling sounds) |
Pale or blue face, lips and fingers |
Shortness of breath or troubled breathing |
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Common Emergency Example(s):
Asthma:
Asthma is the third highest cause of hospitalization amongst those under the age of 15. Many people that have this medical condition are aware of it and carry an inhaler for use in an emergency.
Asthma attacks can be triggered by many things, such as: