First aid for respiratory problems

• April 26, 2024

Respiratory problems have several potential causes: Injury to the chest, neck or lungs, other causes include:

• Asthma, chronic bronchitis, heart disease or emphysema. • Pulmonary embolism or the formation of clots in the lung. • Breathe smoke or smoking • Allergic reaction

First aid

Call the emergency services, in Mexico City dial the 066

Check your breathing, airways and circulation.

Loosen any type of clothing.

Begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation if necessary.

Continue with the patient's respiratory monitoring and circulation while waiting for emergency help. Never assume that the person's condition is improving because he can no longer hear a whistle.

In case of respiratory problems related to the injuries, make sure that the injured part of the victim's body is clear. Never move or try to realign the injuries.

If the chest or neck has open wounds, cover them with a bandage

Do not give any food or drink to the victim

If the respiratory problem is caused by fatigue, heat exhaustion or hyperventilation, stop any activity and move the person away from direct sunlight.

If the victim has inhaled smoke, take it to a safe place.

If the person is unconscious, make sure nothing obstructs the airway.

When to call the emergency service

Call the emergency doctor if the breathing problem is accompanied by:

• Excessive drooling

• Chest pain

• Open wound in the chest and neck

• Inability to speak

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Blue lips, hands or feet

• Sweating

• Vomiting

• Urticaria

• Rapid or irregular breathing

• Swelling of the tongue, throat or face

• Presence of blood when coughing

Seek emergency help immediately if breathing difficulties are accompanied by a cough, if the victim has a fever, green or yellow phlegm, swollen legs, night sweats, or loss of appetite.

Video Medicine: Emergency Room: Severe Respiratory Distress, Retractions, and Auscultation Sounds (April 2024).