From Rod Brouhard,
Your Guide to First Aid.
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Being short of breath (otherwise known as dyspnea or difficulty breathing) is one of the scariest conditions. Responding to most victims complaining of shortness of breath requires calling 911 and supporting them until the ambulance can arrive. To help recognize victims of shortness of breath, the common signs and symptoms include:

• breathing fast
• breathing through pursed lips
• feeling "winded" or unable to speak
• sitting with hands on knees
• using neck and chest muscles to breathe

To help understand what a victim of shortness of breath looks like, picture someone recovering after running a sprint. The difference between a runner and a victim is that the victim can't stop and rest.

Causes of Shortness of Breath

Many conditions and diseases cause shortness of breath. These are the most common:

• anaphylaxis
• asthma
• carbon monoxide poisoning
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• collapsed lung (pneumothorax)
• congestive heart failure
• hyperventilation syndrome
• pneumonia
• pulmonary embolism

Treating Victims with Shortness of Breath

Treating shortness of breath depends on how severe it is. If the victim feels a little out of breath, but can still walk and talk, then calling a doctor or taking the victim to the hospital is probably OK. If the victim has any of the following signs, call 911 immediately:

• blue in the face, chest, or hands
• unable to speak more than two words between breaths
• confusion
• dizziness
• weakness
• wheezing

In addition to calling 911:

• The victim should rest in the position that is most comfortable -- usually sitting upright.
• If the victim has a fast-acting inhaler -- encourage him or her to use it.
• Positioning a fan on the victim can help ease the feeling of shortness of breath.
• Follow basic first aid until the ambulance arrives.

_Source:

Henry, Mark C., and Edward R. Stapleton. EMT Prehospital Care. 3rd Ed. 2004. Mosby/Jems