respiratory issues

Asthma

Chronic inflammatory airway disease; presents with wheezing, prolonged expirations, shortness of breath, and use of accessory muscles. Often triggered by allergies or exercise.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema; barrel chest, pursed-lip breathing, diminished breath sounds, dyspnea on exertion. Common in older smokers.

Emphysema

A type of COPD with alveolar wall destruction; "pink puffer" appearance, thin body, little cough, prolonged exhalation, and wheezes.

Chronic Bronchitis

Productive cough for 3+ months in 2 consecutive years; "blue bloater" with cyanosis, rhonchi, and frequent infections.

Pneumonia

Infection in the lungs; fever, chills, productive cough, pleuritic chest pain, localized crackles/rhonchi, and possible AMS in elderly.

Pulmonary Edema (CHF)

Fluid in alveoli from heart failure; pink frothy sputum, rales, orthopnea, tachycardia, and severe dyspnea. Often hypertensive and upright.

Pulmonary Embolism (PE)

Blood clot in pulmonary circulation; sudden sharp chest pain, dyspnea, tachycardia, tachypnea, clear lungs on auscultation. Risk factors include immobility and recent surgery.

Pneumothorax

Air in pleural space causing lung collapse; sudden dyspnea, unilateral chest pain, decreased breath sounds on affected side, possible tracheal deviation.

Tension Pneumothorax

Severe pneumothorax with hypotension, JVD, tracheal deviation away from affected side. Life-threatening emergency.

Spontaneous Pneumothorax

Occurs without trauma, often in tall, thin males or COPD patients; sudden dyspnea and decreased breath sounds on one side.

Hyperventilation Syndrome

Rapid, deep breathing due to anxiety; tingling in hands/lips, dizziness, chest tightness, normal oxygen saturation.

Anaphylaxis

Severe allergic reaction with airway swelling, wheezing, stridor, hypotension, and hives. Requires epinephrine and airway support.

Croup (Laryngotracheobronchitis)

Pediatric viral infection; barking cough, stridor, hoarse voice, worse at night.

Epiglottitis

Bacterial infection with inflamed epiglottis; sudden fever, drooling, tripod position, stridor. Do NOT attempt to visualize airway.

Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Contagious bacterial infection; violent coughing fits, inspiratory “whoop,” post-tussive vomiting.

Bronchiolitis

Viral infection (often RSV) in infants; wheezing, tachypnea, retractions, low-grade fever.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

Common cause of bronchiolitis/pneumonia in infants; cough, congestion, and wheezing.

Foreign Body Airway Obstruction (FBAO)

Sudden onset of coughing, gagging, or inability to speak/breathe. Perform abdominal thrusts if severe.

Toxic Inhalation (Smoke, CO)

Dyspnea, confusion, cherry-red skin (CO), soot in airway, headache. Requires high-flow O₂ or hyperbaric therapy.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

Severe inflammation and fluid in alveoli after trauma or sepsis; refractory hypoxemia, tachypnea, diffuse crackles.