Both respiratory arrest and distress are considered breathing emergencies. Respiratory arrest is where one can no longer breathe, while respiratory distress is when somebody is having trouble breathing. The most common causes of respiratory distress are hyperventilation, asthma, allergic reactions, and chest injuries. For respiratory arrest, the most common causes are airway obstruction, drowning, drugs/alcohol, injury to the head, chest, or lungs. Hyperventilation is something that can be prevented by using calming exercises, (i.e: breathing in through the nose, into your belly slowly, and holding that for about 4 seconds before slowly exhaling through your mouth.) You can also see a family physician for professional help. When the air passage of somebody becomes narrow, and that person can no longer breathe normally on their own, it is usually known as asthma. A way to prevent asthma attacks from happening suddenly, is to know the signs/causes of your own/ another person's attacks. For example, air quality may be a bigger factor for somebody and pollen for another. When people do not eat right, watch their weight, and don’t exercise regularly, they are at risk of having a circulation emergency.
HYPERVENTILATION CAUSES
Emotions(fear, anxiety, etc.)
Head injuries
Severe bleeding
Medical conditions/illnesses
Asthma
Exercise
Injuries in general
ASTHMA WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Gasps for air
Hands at the chest
Wheezing while exhaling
ALLERGIC REACTIONS
Rash
Tightness in chest/throat
Weakness/dizziness
*Please remember, everybody reacts differently when having an allergic reaction*
RESPIRATORY ARREST CAUSES
Suffocation
Electrocution
Strangulation
Airway obstruction
Drugs/Alcohol
Drowning
Injuries to head,chest, or lungs
Severe allergic reactions
Respiratory conditions
Poisoning
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Colour changes to the skin/face (bluish lips, pale skin)