Emergency & Acute Care Medicine

Respiratory Emergencies

A respiratory emergency refers to a critical situation where a person's ability to breathe or their respiratory function is severely compromised. These emergencies require immediate medical attention and intervention to prevent life-threatening consequences. Some common respiratory emergencies include:

• Choking: Choking occurs when an object becomes lodged in the throat or windpipe, blocking the airway and preventing normal breathing. It can result in oxygen deprivation and requires prompt action to dislodge the object through techniques like the Heimlich maneuver (abdominal thrusts).


• Anaphylaxis: Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can rapidly lead to airway swelling, difficulty breathing, and a drop in blood pressure. It can be triggered by certain foods, medications, insect stings, or other allergens. Treatment involves administering epinephrine (adrenaline) and seeking emergency medical care.


• Asthma Attack: An asthma attack occurs when the airways become inflamed and narrowed, causing difficulty in breathing. Common symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness. Inhalers and bronchodilator medications are often used to alleviate symptoms during an attack.


• Pulmonary Embolism: A pulmonary embolism is a blockage in the pulmonary artery (the artery that carries blood from the heart to the lungs) typically caused by a blood clot that travels from another part of the body, such as the legs. Symptoms may include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid heart rate, and coughing up blood. Immediate medical attention is crucial.


• Pneumothorax: A pneumothorax, often referred to as a collapsed lung, occurs when air accumulates in the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse partially or completely. This can lead to difficulty breathing, chest pain, and a bluish skin color. Treatment involves removing the air and allowing the lung to re-expand.


• Respiratory Distress in Infants: Infants can experience emergencies such as choking, respiratory infections, or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). It's important to monitor their breathing, and any signs of blue lips or skin, rapid breathing, or difficulty in feeding should be taken seriously.


• Respiratory Infections: Severe respiratory infections like pneumonia or severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) can lead to breathing difficulties and require urgent medical attention, especially in vulnerable populations like the elderly or those with weakened immune systems.