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Breathing difficulties - first aid   

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Difficulty breathing - first aid; Dyspnea - first aid; Shortness of breath - first aid

First Aid

1. Call 911 (or the appropriate local emergency assistance telephone number) immediately.

2. Check the victim's airway, breathing, and circulation. If necessary, BEGIN RESCUE BREATHING, CPR, AND BLEEDING CONTROL.

3. Loosen any constricting clothing.

4. Assist the victim with any prescribed medication (such as an asthma inhaler or home oxygen).

5. Continue to monitor the victim's breathing and circulation until medical help arrives. Do not mistake drowsiness for an improvement in the victim's condition. Do not assume that the victim's condition is improving if you can no longer hear wheezing.

6. If there are no open wounds, but the victim's chest moves in an uneven way while breathing, suspect broken ribs. Firmly support the injured side.

7. If there are open wounds in the neck or chest, they must be closed immediately, especially if air bubbles appear in the wound. Bandage such wounds at once.

8. A "sucking" chest wound allows air to enter the victim's chest cavity with each breath. This can cause a collapsed lung. Bandage the wound with plastic wrap, a plastic bag, or gauze pads covered with petroleum jelly, sealing it except for one corner. This allows trapped air to escape from the chest, but prevents air from entering the chest through the wound.

Do Not:

• DO NOT Give the victim anything (food or drink) by mouth.
• DO NOT Move the victim (unless it is absolutely necessary), if there has been a chest or airway injury.
• DO NOT Place a pillow under the victim's head if he or she is lying down. This can close the airway.
• DO NOT Place the victim in an uncomfortable position.
• DO NOT Wait to see if the victim's condition improves before getting medical help. Get help immediately.

Call Your Health Care Provider Immediately If:

• For any difficulty breathing, or if someone stops breathing.

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