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.
Shortness of Breath and Chest Pain
Shortness of breath with chest pain is a worrisome combination. Chest pain that originates from the heart muscle may feel like chest tightness or chest pressure. Many folks perceive that chest tightness or pressure as shortness of breath. Shortness of breath with chest pain can be a symptom of a heart attack and the victim should be seen in the emergency department.
Shortness of breath may also be accompanied by a cough. A persistant cough that lasts for more than a few days can result in soreness of the chest muscles. Chest soreness from coughing feels different than chest tightness or pressure and usually gets worse when coughing or breathing deeply.
Causes of Shortness of Breath
Many conditions and diseases cause shortness of breath. These are the most common:
- anaphylaxis
- asthma
- chest injuries
- carbon monoxide poisoning
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- collapsed lung (pneumothorax)
- congestive heart failure
- heart attack
- 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
