In breathing emergencies, the oxygen supply to the body is either greatly reduced or cut off entirely.

Signals of breathing emergencies include:

• Trouble breathing or no breathing

• Slow or rapid breathing

• Unusually deep or shallow breathing

• Gasping for breath

• Wheezing, gurgling or making high-pitched noises

• Shortness of breath

• Dizziness or light-headedness

• Pain in the chest or tingling in the hands, feet or lips

• Unusually moist or cool skin

• Flushed, pale, ashen or bluish skin

• Apprehensive or fearful feelings

Foreign Body- An object that intrudes where it should not be, as in to a living body.

CLASSIFICATION OF AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION

1. Mild Airway Obstruction- a type of obstruction in which patient can still talk, cough, make wheezing sounds, and answer the question “Are you choking?”

2. Severe Airway Obstruction-There is poor air exchange and increased breathing difficulty, inability to speak, cough and breathe.

TWO TYPES OF OBSTRUCTION

1. Anatomical Obstruction- When tongue drops back and obstructs the throat. Other causes are acute asthma, croup, diphtheria, swelling and whooping cough.

2. Mechanical Obstruction- When foreign objects lodged in the pharynx or airways;

What to do:

Abdominal thrusts/Chest thrust- is recommended for relieving foreign-body airway obstruction.

Respiratory Arrest- Is the condition in which breathing stops or is inadequate.

Cause of Respiratory Arrest

1. Obstruction

2. Diseases

3. Other causes

What to do:

Rescue Breathing- Is a technique of breathing air into a person’s lungs to supply him or her with the oxygen needed to survive.

Asthma is an illness in which certain substances or conditions; called "triggers,'' cause inflammation and constriction of the airways, making breathing difficult.

Sign and Symptoms

• Hoarse whistling sound during exhalation (wheezing)

• Trouble breathing or shortness of breath

• Rapid, shallow breathing

• Sweating

• Tightness in the chest

• Inability to talk without stopping for a breath

First Aid Management

• Remain calm.

• Help the person to sit comfortably.

• Loosen any tight clothing around the neck and abdomen.

• Assist the person with his or her prescribed quick -relief medication under the following conditions:

1. The victim states that he or she is having an asthma attack and has medications (e.g., a prescribed bronchodilator) or an inhaler.

2. The victim identifies the medication and is unable to administrator it without assistance.

Hyperventilation occurs when a person’s breathing is faster and more shallow than normal. When this happens, the body does not take in enough oxygen to meet its demands.

Signs and Symptoms

People who are hyperventilating feel as if they cannot get enough air. Often they are afraid and anxious or seem confused. They may say that they feel dizzy or that their fingers and toes feel numb or tingly.

First Aid Management

• Help the person rest in a comfortable position.

• If the person is conscious, check for other conditions.

• Try to reassure the person to reduce their anxiety.

• If bystanders are present ask them what they know about the person’s condition.

• Tell the person to relax and breathe slowly.

• Seek medical help immediately.