Some 44 million Americans suffer from allergies and asthma and have trouble breathing during an attack. Also, there are millions of people who have breathing problems because of cigarette smoke and air pollution.
Breathing problems also affect people who are very allergic to some types of shellfish, nuts, medications and insect bites. These people can suffer an allergic reaction called anaphylactic shock. This reaction begins within minutes of exposure to the substance causing the allergy. During this type of allergic reaction, the airways narrow, making it difficult to breathe. Soon, the heartbeat races and blood pressure drops. Anaphylactic shock can be fatal if a person is not treated within 15 minutes.
Breathing problems from some things may require emergency care.
In children they include:
Wheezing (See Wheezing)
Croup, a virus with a "barking
cough" common in young children (See Croup)
Diphtheria, which is a very contagious
throat infection
Heart defects children are born with
In children and adults they include:
Severe allergic reactions
A face, head, nose or lung injury
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Harsh chemical burns in the air passages
Epiglottitis, which is inflammation of the
flap of tissue at the back of the throat that can close off the windpipe
Choking (see Choking)
Drug overdose
Poisoning (see Poisoning)
Asthma (see Asthma)
Bronchitis (see Bronchitis)
Pneumonia (see Pneumonia)
In adults they include:
Emphysema
Congestive heart failure
Heart attack (see Chest
Pain and Coronary Heart Disease)
Blood clot in a lung
Collapse of a lung
Prevention
Avoid allergic substances
or agents that induce asthma, if you have it.
Do not walk, run or jog on roads with heavy
automobile traffic.
If you have a gas furnace, install a carbon
monoxide detector.
Never leave your car running in a closed
garage.
Make sure immunizations against childhood
diseases, especially diphtheria, are up-to-date. This is part of the Diphtheria, Tetanus,
Pertussis (DTaP or DTP) vaccination. (See Immunization Schedule)
If you smoke, quit.
Keep small objects a child could choke on
out of reach and do not give gum, (especially bubble gum), nuts, hard candy, or popcorn to
children under 5 years old.
Lock up all medications and poisonous
substances so small children can't get to them.
| Has breathing stopped and is there no pulse? {Note: See CPR}  |
 |
| Has breathing stopped, but there is a pulse? {Note: See Airway and Breathing under "CPR"} |
|
| Has breathing stopped due to choking on an inhaled
object? {Note: See Choking (Heimlich Maneuver)} |
|
Are there signs of anaphylactic shock?  Difficulty breathing Swollen tongue, eyes, or face Unconsciousness Difficulty in swallowing Dizziness, weakness Pounding heart Itching, hives |
|
| Are any of these problems present with difficulty
in breathing? Signs of a heart attack such
as chest pain, pressure, or tightness; pain that spreads to the arm, neck or jaw;
irregular pulse. Serious injury to the face, head, or chest Signs of a stroke such as blurred or double
vision, slurred speech, one-side body weakness or paralysis Signs of drug overdose such as drunkenlike
behavior, slurred speech, slow or rapid pulse, heavy sweating, enlarged or very small eye
pupils |
|
| Is it so hard to breathe that the person can't talk
(say 4 or 5 words between breaths) and/or is there wheezing that doesn't go away? |
|
| Is blood being coughed up? |
|
| Does the difficulty in breathing occur with a cough
in a baby and does it make the baby unable to eat or take a bottle? |
|
| Are any of these signs present? Breathlessness at night or
at rest Pink or frothy phlegm being coughed up
and/or A high fever along with rapid and labored
breathing |
|
| Is a green, yellow, or gray mucus being coughed up?
|
 |
For People Affected by Air Pollution or Pollen:
Wear a face mask that covers the
nose and mouth, when outdoors. Most hardware stores carry inexpensive ones.
Don't smoke. Avoid secondhand smoke. This
applies to anyone with breathing difficulties.
Install an electronic air filtering system
or use an air purifier in your home, especially in the bedroom. Tests show that air
filters help clear the air of allergy-causing agents.
For People Allergic to Molds:
Breathing problems can be avoided or lessened if you:
Do not rake leaves that have been
on the ground for awhile. Molds and mildew grow on leaves after they've been on the ground
for a few days.
Keep your basement dry, well ventilated,
and well lit. Use dehumidifiers and exhaust fans to reduce moisture in the air.
Get rid of house plants.
Avoid barns, chicken coops, damp basements,
and attics.
If you or anyone in your family has serious allergies, it is a good idea to wear a medical identification tag such as ones available at drug stores or ones custom made by MedicAlert Foundation. For more information see "Places to Get Information & Help" under Medical Identification.
See also: Asthma, Bronchitis, Common Cold, Coughs, and Flu.
HEALTH AT HOME - Your Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions, and Self-Care © 1999 by Don R. Powell. American Institute for Preventive Medicine.
Date updated 04/20/99