Breathing Difficulties

Abdulfattah Alhazmi
ayhazmi@uqu.edu.sa
The Breathing Process
Brain is very sensitive to oxygen
starvation

• Brain cells start to die in 4-6 minutes

without oxygen
 • Breathing stops, heart will soon stop beating
• 4-6 minutes: brain damage possible
• 6-10 minutes: brain damage likely
• Over 10 minutes: irreversible brain damage certain
Breathing Emergencies
 Breathing Emergencies

• Respiratory Distress.
• Respiratory Arrest.
 Respiratory Distress

• Respiratory distress is considered a type of respiratory

disorders , or lung diseases, like asthma, pneumonia,
tuberculosis, and lung cancer.
 Causes of Respiratory Distress

• Asthma
The air passages become narrowed - may be triggered by
stress, physical activity or an allergic reaction to food, pollen,
a drug, or an insect sting.
• Medical illnesses
Heart failure, pneumonia, emphysema, bronchitis or high
fever can cause distress. Rapid breathing or hyperventilation
can be caused by fear, anxiety, or great excitement and
occurs more
Often in tense or nervous people!
• Chest trauma or injuries
• These are major cause of death - Chest injuries caused by
collisions, falls, sport mishaps and other penetrating or
crushing forces.
• Chest injuries can cause a breathing emergency if the lungs
are crushed by the ribs or punctured by a penetrating
wound.
• A wound penetrating the rib cage may allow air to enter
the chest, through the wound and result in serious internal
bleeding.
• Anaphylactic reaction
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction, possibly causing air
passages to swell, making breathing difficult.
Signs and Symptoms of Respiratory Distress

• The victim may seem unable to catch their breath or may

be gasping for air.

• Breathing maybe faster or slower than normal.

• Breathing may be unusually deep or shallow.

• The victim may make unusual noises such as wheezing or

gurgling, or high pitched sounds.
• The victim’s skin maybe unusually moist and flushed, later
appearing pale or bluish as the oxygen level in the blood
falls.

• The victim may feel dizzy or light-headed.

• The victim may feel pain in the chest or tingling in the

hands or feet.

• The victim may appear apprehensive, fearful, or very

anxious.
 Respiratory Arrest

• Respiratory arrest is caused by apnea (cessation of breathing)

due to failure of the lungs to function effectively.
 Causes of Respiratory Arrest

1. An obstructed airway (choking).

2. Illness (such as pneumonia).

3. Electrocution.

4. Shock.

5. Drowning.

6. Heart attack or heart disease.

 Causes of Respiratory Arrest (cont.)

7. Injury to the head, chest or lungs.

8. Severe allergic reaction to food, or insect bite.

9. Drugs and alcohol.

10. Poisoning, such as inhaling or ingesting toxic substances.

 Signs and Symptoms of Respiratory Arrest

• Unconsciousness.

• Bluish appearance of the face.

• Absence of chest and abdominal movement other than the

occasional attempt to breath.

• Absence of breath sound so other than the occasional gasp

or gurgle.
 Initial Actions for Breathing
Emergencies

• 1. Survey the scene (Safety)

• 2. Check the person unresponsiveness, and call for help
• 3. Star CPR
 First Aid for Respiratory Distress

• Immediate first aid is often crucial in preventing a life

threatening emergency.

• Respiratory distress can lead to respiratory arrest which if

not immediately cared for will result in death.
In addition to the emergency action principles:
1. Help the victim take the prescribed medication for their
condition. This may be oxygen, an inhaler for asthma, or
medication for an allergy.

2. If the victim is conscious but unable to speak, ask yes or

no questions the victim can answer by nodding.

3. Try to reduce any anxiety that may add to the casualty’s

breathing difficulties.

4. Provide enough air.

5. Help the person to maintain normal body temperature.

Suspected Head, Neck or Back Injuries

• Suspect such injuries in any victims who have experienced

violent force.

• In such cases minimize movement of the head and neck

when opening the airway.

• Use the jaw thrust method instead of the head tilt/chin lift.
Questions ?