First Aid For Respiratory Distress (Breathing Difficulties)
Respiratory arrest is a condition where the lungs stop contracting efficiently resulting in the cessation of breathing, thus oxygen is not delivered to the rest of the body.
- In some cases, symptoms of respiratory distress are apparent.
- Clinically, it may appear that the patient is unable to ventilate and/ or oxygenate.
Respiratory distress is the most common breathing emergency.
Respiratory distress is often associated with physical illnesses including
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome and
- Infant respiratory distress syndrome.
Causes of Respiratory Distress:
- Airway obstruction
- Choking
- Electrocution
- Pulmonary contusions
- Flail chest
- Allergic reactions
- Emotional distress
- Pneumothorax, whether open or closed
- Tension pneumothorax
- Asthma
- Diaphragmatic hernia
- Drowning
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Symptoms:
- Increased breathing rate signifying an individual is having breathing troubles or not getting adequate oxygen.
- Cyanosis (bluish) around the mouth, inside of the lips, or on the fingernails, which may also appear pale or Gray at times.
- Grunting sound upon exhalation.
- Nasal flaring indicates laboured breathing.
- Wheezing sounds denote tighter air passages.
- Chest retractions appear to sink in below the neck and/ or under the breastbone for every respiration.
- Increased sweating on the head.
- Cool or clammy skin.
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First Aid Treatment:
- Call for emergency medical assistance immediately.
- Check for the casualty’s pulse, airway, and breathing.
- To check for a pulse, place two fingers on the groove of the neck.
- To check for any airway obstruction, place two fingers on the forehead and two fingers on the chin and slightly tilt the head.
- To check for breathing, place your own cheek in between the nose and mouth of the casualty and feel for breathing on the cheek. Watch for rising and fall of the chest. Do this for 5-10 seconds.
- If there is no breathing, give mouth-to-mouth breathing.
- With the airway open, pinch the nostrils and seal the victim’s mouth with its own mouth.
- Give two rescue breaths.
- Perform CPR if necessary.
- Do not leave the victims of respiratory distress alone until professional help arrives.
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First Aid For Respiratory Distress (Breathing Difficulties) Notes
How To Treat A Patient In Respiratory Distress? Notes For B.Ed In English Medium
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