Breathing problems also referred to by its medical term dyspnea, is when a subject experiences breathlessness or shortness of breath, which means the subject is having labored or difficult breathing. This is a serious condition and is a sign of a variety of disorders and a primary indication of insufficient amounts of oxygen circulating within the blood, or improper ventilation, which can be a serious worry to those affected and therefore must be attended and managed in a careful and timely fashion. This may be associated with problems such as asthma, acute pulmonary edema, respiratory diseases and other illnesses. Regardless of the cause of dyspnea, the medical care starts with the treatment of the patient and providing sufficient oxygen to them. In order to ascertain the extent of the problem and the urgency of the need, a thorough assessment of the patient’s current condition is required. This also includes any current and past medical histories, which will be obtained through a physical examination, which must be completed as soon as possible. Many breathing problems are either chronic or long term.
What are the symptoms associated with breathing problems?
The patient can have some degree of difficulty in meeting the basic need for proper levels of oxygen within the blood, and thus the transportation of oxygen to all cells of the body. Thus the patient might report a feeling of breathlessness, a real feeling of shortness of breath or that of oxygen. Consequently, in those affected, the rate and depth of breathing increases. Dyspnea creates a state of anxiety and a very intense concern and may lead to the victim struggling to speak. A more serious concern is characterized by cyanosis, pallor, drowsiness, and an important ringing during the process of breathing or intake of oxygen. Other symptoms of dyspnea are difficulty breathing during a cold or flu, this also includes when the patient has occasional bouts of acute sinusitis. Acute sinusitis can cause difficulty breathing through your nose for a week or two until the inflammation within subsides and the congested sinuses begin to drain. Other breathing problems include and are not limited to nasal congestion, a runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, chest congestion, excessive coughing, wheezing, labored breathing and shallow breathing. Since the nasal passage is a pathway for viruses and allergens to enter your lungs, the nose and sinuses are usually associated with lung disorders. Hence the fact that a sinus or an inflammatory nasal passage may trigger reflexes and cause asthma attacks. The main trigger for such asthma attacks is most often allergies.
What to do in case of breathing problems
Call for help promptly. Place the victim in the position in which they feel better and more comfortable and allows the easiest way to breath. This usually is by sitting with your upper body bent forward. Seek medical assistance from a doctor or nurse as soon as possible.
What not to do in case of breathing problems
One should not underestimate the problem and linger to call for immediate help. Dyspnea is an important problem which can easily worsen and lead rapidly to respiratory arrest.
Disclaimer: The information in this article do not in any way replace the intervention or the signs of the operators of emergency and provide only simple tips to keep the situation under control while waiting for a medical rescue team to arrive.
