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Steps to Take During Sudden Breathing Difficulty
Sudden breathing difficulty is a medical emergency for which immediate action is needed to avoid complications. Having the proper steps to follow can be the difference between successfully managing the situation until professional medical assistance can be brought to the scene.
If a person suddenly and severely is having trouble breathing, particularly if they are unable to speak in complete sentences, are gasping, choking, blue around their lips, or becoming unconscious, call emergency medical services immediately. Time is of the essence.
Have the person sit up straight or lean forward very slightly. This is helpful to open the airways and facilitate easy breathing. Avoid lying the person on their back or placing pillows under their head, as this can limit airflow.
Take off or loosen tight clothes at the neck or chest to minimise restriction and facilitate easy breathing.
If the individual has pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), assist them in using their prescribed inhalers or drugs immediately. For instance, drugs such as deriphyllin tablet relax airway muscles and facilitate easier breathing in chronic respiratory diseases, but are not to be used for quick relief and have to be administered under the direction of a physician.
Anxiety can exacerbate difficulty in breathing. Encourage deep, slow breathing and stay calm to minimise panic and increase oxygen supply.
Don't provide food or drinks as there is a risk of choking when breathing is impaired.
Continue to monitor the person's breathing and pulse until emergency assistance arrives. If the individual becomes unconscious and you know how to perform CPR, start resuscitation as needed.
Symptoms such as wheezing, chest pain, tachycardia, blue nails or lips, confusion, or swelling of the face and throat may indicate a severe allergic reaction or serious illnesses that require immediate attention.
Try to relocate the individual from where they are to an area away from any possible irritants or allergens, such as smoke, dust, or potent fumes, that may further complicate their breathing.
Deriphyllin is a drug often taken to treat long-term breathing problems such as asthma and COPD by relaxing airway muscles. But it does not act in the case of an acute breathing crisis. Always take the medicine as prescribed and immediately contact a professional in case of sudden breathing difficulties.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. Sudden difficulty breathing can prove fatal. Always report to emergency services immediately and consult professional medical attention. Consult with your healthcare provider before taking medication or making drastic changes to your health program. Proper diagnosis and treatment are critical to respiratory illness.
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