Several first aid medical emergencies can impair breathing, requiring immediate recognition and intervention to prevent severe complications or death. Below are the most common emergencies that can impair breathing, along with appropriate first aid responses:
1. Choking
- Cause:
- Blockage of the airway by food, a foreign object, or swelling.
- Signs:
- Inability to speak, cough, or breathe; clutching the throat (universal choking sign); cyanosis (bluish skin).
- First Aid:
- Perform the Heimlich maneuver (abdominal thrusts) for conscious adults and children.
- For unconscious individuals, begin CPR, checking for and removing visible obstructions.
2. Asthma Attack
- Cause:
- Narrowing and inflammation of airways due to triggers like allergens, exercise, or stress.
- Signs:
- Wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, rapid breathing.
- First Aid:
- Assist with the use of a rescue inhaler if available.
- Help the person sit upright and stay calm.
- Call emergency services if symptoms worsen or do not improve after medication.
3. Severe Allergic Reaction (Anaphylaxis)
- Cause:
- Exposure to allergens like bee stings, peanuts, or medications.
- Signs:
- Swelling of the throat or tongue, difficulty breathing, hives, rapid pulse, fainting.
- First Aid:
- Administer an epinephrine injection (EpiPen) if available.
- Call emergency services immediately.
- Keep the person lying down and monitor for signs of shock.
4. Drowning
- Cause:
- Water entering the lungs prevents effective oxygen exchange.
- Signs:
- Unconsciousness, absence of breathing, coughing up water, bluish skin.
- First Aid:
- Remove the person from the water and check for breathing.
- If not breathing, begin CPR immediately.
5. Obstructive Airway from Swelling (e.g., Burns or Trauma)
- Cause:
- Inhalation of smoke, steam, or toxic fumes; trauma to the neck or face.
- Signs:
- Hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, visible burns, or swelling around the neck or mouth.
- First Aid:
- Keep the person calm and seated upright.
- Call emergency services immediately.
- Provide oxygen if trained and equipment is available.
6. Respiratory Infections (e.g., Severe Pneumonia, COVID-19)
- Cause:
- Infection causes fluid buildup or inflammation in the lungs.
- Signs:
- Shortness of breath, rapid breathing, chest pain, fever, confusion.
- First Aid:
- Encourage the person to sit upright.
- Call for medical help if breathing is significantly impaired.
7. Trauma to the Chest
- Cause:
- Rib fractures, punctured lung (pneumothorax), or blunt force injury.
- Signs:
- Painful breathing, uneven chest movement, rapid breathing, cyanosis.
- First Aid:
- Cover any open chest wounds with a non-airtight dressing.
- Position the person to make breathing easier (semi-sitting position).
- Call emergency services immediately.
8. Drug Overdose
- Cause:
- Depressants (e.g., opioids) slow or stop breathing.
- Signs:
- Slow or shallow breathing, unconsciousness, pinpoint pupils, bluish lips.
- First Aid:
- Administer naloxone (Narcan) if available for suspected opioid overdose.
- Begin rescue breathing or CPR if necessary.
- Call emergency services.
9. Seizures
- Cause:
- During or after a seizure, muscle contractions can temporarily block airflow or the person may vomit and aspirate.
- Signs:
- Loss of consciousness, jerking movements, difficulty breathing.
- First Aid:
- Turn the person onto their side to prevent choking.
- Do not place anything in their mouth.
- Call emergency services if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes or if breathing doesn’t resume afterward.
10. Poisoning or Toxic Inhalation
- Cause:
- Exposure to chemicals, carbon monoxide, or other toxins that impair lung function.
- Signs:
- Difficulty breathing, dizziness, confusion, unconsciousness.
- First Aid:
- Move the person to fresh air.
- Call emergency services and provide oxygen if trained.
11. Shock
- Cause:
- Severe blood loss, infection, or trauma reduces oxygen delivery to tissues, affecting breathing.
- Signs:
- Rapid breathing, pale skin, confusion, weak pulse.
- First Aid:
- Lay the person flat and elevate their legs (if no spinal injury is suspected).
- Call for medical assistance.
Proper training in first aid and CPR is essential to respond effectively to these emergencies. Immediate action can save lives by maintaining oxygen flow and preventing further complications until professional help arrives.
