Respiratory Emergencies

Signs and symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

COPD

Chronic bronchitis: bronchiole lining inflammation, excess mucus, inability to clear it

Emphysema: alveoli walls break down, lungs lose elasticity, co2 trapped in lungs

Qualities of asthma

Small bronchioles narrow, mucus is overproduced

Small airway, restricted airflow

Inhalation dilates the airway, expiration constricts, trapping air in lungs

Qualities of Pulmonary Edema

Fluid accumulates in alveoli

Pressure builds up in pulmonary capillaries

Can be cause by congestive heart failure

Dyspnea, anxiety, pale skin, sweat, tachycardia, hypertension, rapid and labored respirations, low oxygen saturation

Gurgling and frothy sputum

Treating Pulmonary Edema

Treat inadequate breathing, high-concentration oxygen, CPAP

Qualities of Pneumonia

Infection in one or both lungs from microbe inhalation

Bacteria, viruses, or fungi grow and cause inflammation

Shortness of breath, coughing, fever + chills, sharp chest pain (especially on inhalation), headaches, pale and sweaty skin, fatigue, confusion

Treating Pneumonia

Assess and treat inadequate breathing, supplemental oxygen, artificial respirations

Qualities of Spontaneous Pneumothorax

Lung collapses without injury or obvious cause

Patients with COPD, history of smoking, and tall, skinny patients are at higher risk

Sharp chest pain, shortness of breath, easily tired, low ox sat, cyanosis, tachycardia, fast breathing, decreased or absent lung sounds on one side, possible JVD and hypotension

Treatment of Spontaneous Pneumothorax

Call ALS, administer oxygen, NO CPAP, transport for definitive care

Qualities of Pulmonary Embolism

Blockage in blood supply to lungs

Commonly caused by deep vein thrombosis Reasons for DVT: staying stationary in one position for long periods of time, active cancer, limb immobilized in cast

Sharp chest pain, shortness of breath, anxiety, coughing, tachycardia, tachypnea, lightheadedness, dizziness, pain or swelling in legs, hypotension and cardiac arrest

Treating Pulmonary Embolism

Oxygen

Qualities of Epiglottitis

Infection causing swelling around and above epiglottis (may cause obstruction)

Sore throat, difficulty swallowing, tripod position, sick appearance, muffled voice, fever, drooling, stridor

Treating Epiglottitis

high-concentration oxygen if possible

Qualities of Croup

Caused by group of viral illnesses

Inflammation of larynx, trachea, and bronchi

Upper airway tissues become swollen

Loud, barking cough, hoarse voice, inadequate breathing, hypoxia, inspiratory stridor

Treating Croup

Artificial respirations, immediate transport, supplemental oxygen

Call ALS if patient is breathing adequately

Qualities of Bronchiolitis

Inflammation from viral infection, most common cause is RSV

Runny nose, fever, respiratory distress, inadequate breathing

(Children in same house often show same symptoms)

Treating Bronchiolitis

Artificial ventilation if necessary, bulb syringe mucus if nose is obstructed

Qualities of Cystic fibrosis

Genetic disease appearing in childhood

Mucus accumulates in lungs and digestive system

Could cause lung infections or digestive problems

Coughing with large amounts of mucus, fatigue, frequent pneumonia, abdominal pain and distension, coughing up blood, nausea, weight loss

Treating Cystic fibrosis

Patient or caregiver can guide treatment for basic assessment

Qualities of Viral Respiratory Infections

Infection of respiratory tract

Sore throat, sneezing, runny nose, fatigue, fever, chills, shortness of breath, yellow or greenish sputum

Treating Viral Respiratory Infections

Supplemental oxygen, bronchodilators

Not helped by antibiotics