Which of the following signs and symptoms would indicate respiratory distress?
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“For an asthma attack, you should use your medications as prescribed. If you notice worsening of your symptoms, talk to your doctor about whether or not your medications can be optimized. Understand what triggers can worsen your asthma and try to avoid them. It is important to have an asthma ‘action plan’ and know where to go according to how bad your symptoms are (office vs. emergency room). Show
With allergic reactions, you need to understand that any medication or substance can potentially cause a severe allergic reaction. Know the signs of a severe allergic reaction. If you have a history of severe allergic reaction, ask your doctor about an EpiPen in case of emergency. Seek help earlier rather than later because allergic reactions can rapidly progress.” -Dr. Irena Liang, primary care physician at Primary Care & Convenient Care - Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Group - The Woodlands, Texas An increase in the number of breaths per minute may indicate that a person is having trouble breathing or not getting enough oxygen. The breathing rate is decided by counting the number of times the chest rises and falls within a minute. Color ChangesA bluish color seen on the skin around the mouth, on the inside of the lips, or on the fingernails may occur when a person is not getting as much oxygen as needed. The color of the skin may also appear pale or gray. GruntingA grunting sound can be heard each time the person exhales. This grunting is the body’s way of getting more air into the lungs than from a normal breath. Nose FlaringThe openings of the nose spreading open while breathing may indicate that a person is having to work harder to breathe. RetractionsThe chest appears to sink in just below the neck, under the breastbone and ribs, and/or between each rib with each breath – one way of trying to bring more air into the lungs. SweatingThere may be sweat on the head, but the skin does not feel warm to the touch. Often the skin may feel cool or clammy. This may happen when the breathing rate is very fast. WheezingA tight, whistling or musical sound heard with each breath, mainly when breathing out, may mean that the air passages may be smaller, making it more difficult to breathe. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening condition where the lungs cannot provide the body's vital organs with enough oxygen. It's usually a complication of a serious existing health condition. This means most people are already in hospital by the time they develop ARDS. Symptoms of ARDSSymptoms of ARDS can include:
When to get urgent medical helpAlthough most people get ARDS when they're already in hospital, this is not always the case. It can start quickly as a result of an infection, such as pneumonia, or if someone accidentally inhales their vomit. Call 999 immediately to ask for an ambulance if a child or adult is having breathing problems. What causes ARDS?ARDS happens when the lungs become severely inflamed from an infection or injury. The inflammation causes fluid from nearby blood vessels to leak into the tiny air sacs in your lungs, making breathing increasingly difficult. The lungs can become inflamed after:
Diagnosing ARDSThere's no specific test to diagnose ARDS. A full assessment is needed to identify the underlying cause and rule out other conditions. The assessment is likely to include:
Treating ARDSIf you develop ARDS, you'll probably be admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) and use a breathing machine (ventilator) to help your breathing. You breathe through a mask attached to the machine. If your breathing is severely affected, a breathing tube may be inserted down your throat and into your lungs. Fluids and nutrients will be supplied through a feeding tube (nasogastric tube) that's passed through your nose and into your stomach. The underlying cause of ARDS should also be treated. For example, if it's caused by a bacterial infection, you may need antibiotics. How long you'll need to stay in hospital depends on your individual circumstances and the cause of ARDS. Most people respond well to treatment, but it may be several weeks or months before you're well enough to leave hospital. Complications of ARDSBecause ARDS is often caused by a serious health condition, about 1 in 3 people who get it will die. But most deaths are the result of the underlying illness, rather than ARDS itself. For those who survive, the main complications are linked with nerve and muscle damage, which causes pain and weakness. Some people also develop psychological problems, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. What are 4 common signs of respiratory distress in a newborn?What are the symptoms?. Fast and shallow breathing.. Grunting.. Flaring of the nostrils with each breath.. Bluish tone to a baby's skin and lips.. Pulling inward of the muscles between the ribs when breathing.. Which is the major symptom of respiratory distress syndrome?The first symptom of ARDS is usually shortness of breath. Other symptoms of ARDS are low blood oxygen, rapid breathing, and clicking, bubbling, or rattling sounds in the lungs when breathing. ARDS can develop at any age.
What is considered respiratory distress?Respiratory distress describes symptoms related to breathing problems. There can be many causes of respiratory distress in children. Usually it is caused by infections, chronic illness or a blocked airway. A child who was premature at birth or has been in the hospital for respiratory problems may be at greater risk.
Which of the following signs indicate respiratory failure?Symptoms include shortness of breath or feeling like you can't get enough air, extreme tiredness, an inability to exercise as you did before, and sleepiness.
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