Respiratory distress is a serious condition that must be treated right away. If you have to work harder to breathe, it could mean your lungs aren’t getting enough oxygen and you’re in respiratory distress.
People who have difficulty breathing frequently exhibit signs that they have to work harder to breathe or are not getting enough oxygen, indicating respiratory distress. The signs listed below may indicate that a person is working harder to breathe and may not be getting enough oxygen. It is critical to understand the symptoms of respiratory distress in order to respond appropriately. Always seek medical attention for a diagnosis:
Wheezing.
A tight, whistling, or musical sound with each breath may indicate that the air passages are smaller (tighter), making it more difficult to breathe.
Position of the body
While sitting, a person may naturally lean forward to help take deeper breaths. This is a sign that he or she is about to pass out.
Difficulty in Speaking
Because they are working so hard to breathe, a person may have difficulty speaking. Before stopping to breathe, a patient may only be able to say 2 to 3 word phrases or single words.
Retractions
With each breath, the chest appears to sink in just below the neck or under the breastbone, or both. This is one method of attempting to get more air into the lungs, and it can also be seen beneath the rib cage or in the muscles between the ribs.
Sweating
Although there is increased sweating on the head, the skin does not feel warm to the touch. More often than not, the skin will feel cool or clammy. This can happen if your breathing rate is extremely fast.
Increased Rate of breathing
An increase in breaths per minute may indicate that a person is having difficulty breathing or is not getting enough oxygen.
The color shifts.
A bluish color seen around the mouth, inside the lips, or on the fingernails may occur when a person is not getting enough oxygen. The skin color may also appear pale or grey.
Grunting
Every time the person exhales, a grunting sound can be heard. This grunting is the body’s attempt to keep air in the lungs so that they remain open.
Flaring nose
When the nostrils spread open while breathing, it may indicate that the person is having to work harder to breathe.
Preventing Respiratory Infections
Not all respiratory problems can be avoided. Take the following steps to help prevent many respiratory infections:
- Quit smoking and try to breathe in cleaner air. Your exposure to dust and aerosols can cause a great damage to your respiratory system.
- Even if your child is not present, do not smoke around him or in places he frequents. Children who live near smokers have twice as many respiratory infections and colds as those who do not. Smoke residue can accumulate on surfaces in rooms and vehicles.
- Maintain dust-free environment at home.
- Reduce the use of aerosols in your daily routine. Never apply baby powder or cornstarch to your child. These substances have the potential to irritate a baby’s lungs.
- To prevent the spread of germs, everyone should wash their hands frequently.
- Keep your distance from sick people if at all possible.
Who is at risk of having breathing problems?
You are more likely to have breathing problems if you:
- have allergies and are constantly stressed
- have a chronic lung or heart disease
- Obesity also raises the risk of breathing problems. Excessive physical exertion can also put you at risk for breathing issues, especially if you exercise in short bursts or at high altitudes.
Consult a doctor
If you think that you are showing any signs and symptoms of respiratory distress, consult a pulmonologist immediately. He or she will be able to diagnose the problem quickly and your disease will be managed at initial stages.
If you are looking for a pulmonologist you can contact Dr. Syed Azfer Husain by the help of Oladoc.
