How to Recognize Difficulty Breathing

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a person experiencing difficulty breathing can mean the difference between life and death in many cases. Some people suffer from chronic conditions like asthma or emphysema, but many experience difficulty breathing for a host of other reasons. Cardiac emergencies, panic attacks, allergic reactions--all of these constitute additional reasons that someone may suffer from a breathing emergency. Seeing the symptoms is easy if you know what to look for; upon recognizing that someone is suffering from a breathing difficulty, you must contact emergency medical services.

Instructions

1. Understand that the onset of difficulty in breathing most often involves the victim telling you he is feeling a tightness or stabbing pain in his chest and is experiencing shortness of breath. Have the victim sit in a comfortable position and stop all activity; summon emergency medical personnel. You must remain on the phone line with the emergency dispatcher to continually inform her of the victim's condition--this can be done easily by putting your phone on speaker and placing it next to you.

2. Notice the victim's neck and facial muscles strain as she tries to get air into his lungs. This will be accompanied by flaring of the nostrils, pursing of the lips, coughing and possibly wheezing during inspiration. The victim may also posture himself by sitting very erect--this will make him more comfortable and possibly assist his breathing.

3. Ask the victim pointed questions that will help to determine the severity of the episode. Questions you should ask include "What were you doing when this feeling started?", "Do you have any known allergies?", "Do you have a known heart condition?" and "Can you feel any numbness or tingling anywhere?"Talking may become difficult for the victim, so keep your questions short and to the point. The questioning should end when the victim becomes unable to comfortably answer questions. Asking these questions will allow you to inform emergency medical personnel, as well as keep the victim focused on you.

4. Watch for altered levels of awareness, dizziness, restlessness, confusion, faintness, bluish skin color around the lips or combativeness. Any of these signs will indicate worsening of the condition, and must be reported to responding emergency personnel through the emergency dispatcher.

   Unconsciousness may occur--if so, notify the responding emergency medical personnel immediately.

5. Stay with the victim through the arrival of emergency medical personnel and reassure her that she will be OK. This is the best treatment you can provide. Early recognition of a breathing emergency and swift notification of emergency medical services are paramount.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are not near a phone to call for emergency services, you may direct another person to call. You should not leave the side of a person who is experiencing a breathing emergency for any amount of time, as her condition may change quickly. Pursue certification in first aid and CPR through the American Red Cross or American Heart Association if you wish to help others.

• Do not administer medications to the victim unless you are licensed to do so.