EMT medical terms

Dyspnea

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Caused by:

Infectious disease, airway obstruction or cardiovascular traumatic events

Adequate breathing

Adult 12-20 RR Child 15-30 RR Infant 25-50 RR

Normal depth, regular pattern, clear breath sounds, pink warm and dry

Inadequate breathing

Accessory muscle use, tripod position, anxious/restless, irregular breathing, pale cyanosis, altered mental status, rate >8 or >20

Pulmonary edema

Left side of the heart can’t pump blood coming from lungs as fast as the right side delivers it.

• fluid builds in lung tissue and capillaries

• Can cause CHF

• S/S- sudden shortness of breath when reclining, difficulty breathing, JVD, can have edema in limbs

COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Caused by repeated infections or inhalation of toxins/smoking, worsens over time

Can be ether chronic bronchitis or emphysema, pt may have symptoms of both one being more present

Chronic Bronchitis

Ongoing irritation of trachea and bronchi

• excess mucus, can lead to right side heart failure and edema. Pt are more susceptible to pneumonia

• Blue Bloaters

• S/S cyanotic/ashen, usually bariatric, fluid builds up in body so gas exchange is reduced

Emphysema

loss of lung tissue as a result of chronic stretching of alveoli, alveoli eventually fall apart leaving holes

• “Pink Puffers”

• S/S “barrel chest” or constantly expanding chest, pink or red skin tone, pursed lips

Asthma

acute chronic inflammatory disorder of the airway

• cause by a spasms of the bronchioles which can cause mucus which can obstruct airways

• S/S wheezing on exhalation, increase in resp. rate, tightness in chest, coughing, wheezing breath sounds

Spontaneous Pneumothorax

weakened portion of the lung ruptures and collapses

• S/S no recent trauma usually follows hard cough or exertion, sudden on shortness of breath and sharp/stabbing pain on one side of chest, decreased/diminished/absent breath sounds on affected side, will not tolerate laying down

Pleural Effusion

collection of fluid outside of lung, usually from irritation

• S/S sudden onset dsypnea that builds gradually, decreased breath sounds, won’t lie down

Pulmonary Embolism

blood clot travels to pulmonary artery blocking blood flow

• S/S dyspnea, acute chest pain, hemoptysis, cyanosis, tachypnea, hypoxia, history of immobilization of lower extremities, previous recent swelling in leg that went away, recent long flights/immobilization.

Hyperventilation

breathing to fast to allow for gas exchange

• S/S dizziness, numbness/tingling in hands/feet, dyspnea, can be associated w/ psychological stress

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

• S/S flushed s