First Aid International

Breathing Difficulties

Asthma

A common lung condition characterised by laboured breathing. The air passages become narrowed due to muscle spasm and swelling of the mucous membrane lining the lungs.

Causes

  1. Exercise or physical activity

  2. Infections, allergies

  3. Sudden weather changes, especially cold and wet

  4. Stress

Signs and Symptoms

  1. Difficulty breathing

  2. Cyanosis (bluish colour around the lips)

  3. Wheezing when exhaling

  4. Cough, dry or moist

  5. Thirst

  6. Increased pulse rate

  7. Altered conscious state

Treatment

A person with asthma who experiences severe attacks often has an action plan on their person or they know what to do. Whenever possible, this information should be sought and implemented.

Conscious Casualty

Sit the casualty with arms supported on a table or bench to make breathing easier. If the casualty is cooperative, 4 puffs of ventolin should be taken every 4 minutes. A spacer should be used if available.

If there is no improvement, or the attack is severe call an ambulance. In a severe attack, 6-8 puffs may be given to an adult every 5 minutes.

Unconscious Casualty

Roll the casualty into the lateral position and monitor ABC. Be prepared to commence EAR. In a severe attack it will require much greater force to inflate the lungs.

Choking ( Airway Obstruction )

Treatment

Conscious casualty with a partial obstruction

  1. Encourage casualty to cough

  2. DO NOT BACK SLAP this person whilst in an upright position

  3. Bend casualty over a chair / table with upper body pointing downward, apply 3-4 back slaps in this position.

Conscious casualty with a complete obstruction

  1. Place casualty in lateral position and apply 3-4 back slaps then check the mouth for the dislodged object

  2. If the casualty is still unable to breathe, give up to 4 lateral chest thrusts and then check the mouth again.

    3. Unconscious casualty

    Check mouth now as object may have become loose when the muscles relaxed with unconsciousness. Check for breathing. If casualty is not breathing commence EAR. Try to blow air past the obstruction into the lungs. If this is unsuccessful blow harder than normal, this will result in the object being blown down into the lungs.

    If air goes into the lungs, position casualty of side and observe ABC.

    If the obstruction is not cleared with EAR, repeat back slaps; check thrusts and EAR until successful.

    Children and Choking

    1. Place child over your lap with upper body pointing towards the ground

    2. Apply 3-4 back slaps – check mouth

    3. If unsuccessful, apply 3-4 lateral chest thrusts – one hand on either side of the chest

    4. If unsuccessful, commence EAR.

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