Chapter 15: Breathing Emergencies

A breathing emergency is any serious issue that affects a person’s ability to breathe. It can be as mild as shortness of breath or as severe as complete inability to breathe, and always requires immediate attention.

There are many causes that may lead to a breathing emergency, such as

• Allergic reactions
• Asthma
• Choking
• Chest injuries
• Infections
• Fear and anxiety

Other common triggers include

• Inhaling fumes
• Heart-related conditions
• Trauma to the head, neck, or chest
• Smoking

Signs to look for include very fast or slow breathing, chest pain, coughing, confusion, noisy breathing (like wheezing), or a pale or blue face, lips, or fingers. The person may also seem panicked or complain of shortness of breath.

One common example is asthma. It’s a major cause of hospitalization, especially among children. People with asthma usually know their triggers and often carry an inhaler. Triggers can include things like smoke, dust, pets, perfume, mold, exercise, stress, or sudden temperature changes.