FA: breathing conditions

Question 1

signs & symptoms of hyperventilation

Answer 1

• Anxiety (trigger): causes brain to increase breathing rate as a coping mechanism. Leads to unnaturally fast breathing rate, which further increases panic (vicious cycle if not stopped)
• Giddiness and tingling in hands: low CO2 levels.
• Event history (witnessing something traumatic/triggering/intensive exercise)
• Medical history of asthma, panic attacks and/or hyperventilation/anxiety.

Question 2

treatment for hyperventilation

Answer 2

• Remove identified triggers or shift casualty away from triggers. Turn casualty away if possible.
• Keep casualty seated upright
• Regulate the casualty’s breathing
• Use hand gestures to guide the casualty in breathing slowly and calmly.
• If casualty cannot see, use touch, but inform the casualty.
• Reassure the casualty by speaking calmly and slowly
• Help the casualty with stretching and massage any cramps if appropriate.
• Monitor vitals—the casualty may fall unconscious if hyperventilation lasts too long.
• If casualty falls unconscious, get rid of trigger, open airway and call ambulance.
• DO NOT use a paper bag to stop hyperventilation. This can cause a build-up of carbon dioxide to toxic levels.

Question 3

signs and symptoms of asthma

Answer 3

• Wheezing, coughing
• Shortness of breath, narrow/faint breathing
• Medical history/medication (e.g. inhaler)
• Event history (of exercise, cold weather, dust etc.)

Type of trigger + presence of medication can differentiate asthma from hyperventilation

Question 4

treatment for asthma

Answer 4

Treatment:
* Administer medication
* If no medication, treat for breathlessness: regulate breathing with hand motions etc.
* Sit the casualty upright if appropriate
* Call the ambulance

Medication present:

• Anti-inflammatories (beclomethasone), or bronchodilators (salbutamol*)
  salbutamol has side effects like rapid pulse rate.
• Commonly via inhaler
• Call an ambulance if no improvement

Using an inhaler:

1. Shake a few times
2. Remove the cap
3. Ask the casualty to breathe slowly in and out, guide if needed
4. Seal casualty’s mouth over mouthpiece
5. Instruct casualty to breathe in and out 5-10 times
6. Allow medication to take effect

If the casualty knows how to self-admin prescribed inhaler (which they likely do!) then just let them do it by themselves, but can supervise

Remember to inform paramedics of amount of medicine taken (no. of puffs etc.)