What should I do if I'm experiencing difficulty breathing?

Managing Difficulty Breathing: First Aid and Emergency Response

If you are experiencing difficulty breathing, immediately call emergency services (911) or have someone call for you, then position yourself upright, loosen any tight clothing, and try to remain calm while awaiting professional medical help. 1

Initial Assessment and Response

Immediate Actions

• Call emergency services (911) immediately for anyone with difficulty breathing 1
• While waiting for emergency services:
  • Position yourself upright to optimize breathing (sitting up position improves respiratory mechanics) 1
  • Loosen any tight clothing around the neck, chest, or waist
  • Try to remain calm and focus on slow, controlled breathing

Positioning Based on Condition

• For general breathing difficulty: Sit upright, leaning slightly forward with arms supported on a table if available 1
• If you feel faint or show signs of shock: Lie flat on your back (supine position) 1
• If no trauma is present and you're experiencing shock symptoms: Elevating feet 6-12 inches may be reasonable while awaiting EMS 1
• If at risk for airway obstruction (decreased alertness or vomiting): The recovery position (lying on side) is recommended 1

Specific Breathing Emergencies

For Asthma Attacks

• Use prescribed inhaled bronchodilators as directed 1
• Sit upright, leaning slightly forward
• If you have a prescribed rescue inhaler:
  • Shake the inhaler
  • Exhale completely
  • Place the mouthpiece in your mouth, creating a seal with your lips
  • Inhale slowly while pressing down on the inhaler
  • Hold your breath for 10 seconds if possible
  • Wait 30-60 seconds before repeating if needed

For Suspected Heart Attack

• Call 911 immediately rather than trying to transport yourself 1
• Take aspirin if prescribed or recommended by emergency services (if no allergies or contraindications) 1
• Rest in a position that feels most comfortable, typically sitting upright

For Anaphylaxis (Severe Allergic Reaction)

• Use prescribed epinephrine autoinjector immediately if available 1
• Call 911 immediately
• Lie flat unless breathing is difficult (in which case, sit up) 1
• If no improvement within 5-10 minutes and EMS hasn't arrived, a second dose of epinephrine may be considered 1

Warning Signs Requiring Immediate Medical Attention

• Blue lips or face (cyanosis)
• Severe shortness of breath that comes on suddenly
• Inability to speak in full sentences due to breathlessness
• Chest pain accompanying breathing difficulty
• Confusion or altered mental status
• Fainting or severe lightheadedness
• Stridor (high-pitched sound when breathing)

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Delaying emergency care: Many people underestimate the seriousness of breathing difficulties 2, 3. When in doubt, call emergency services.

2. Lying flat when experiencing breathing difficulty: Unless you're feeling faint, sitting upright generally helps breathing more than lying down 1.

3. Overexertion: Avoid physical activity when experiencing breathing problems as it increases oxygen demand.

4. Ignoring symptoms: Breathing difficulties can indicate serious conditions including heart attack, pulmonary embolism, or severe asthma attack 1.

5. Self-diagnosis: Breathing difficulties have many potential causes. Professional medical evaluation is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Remember that difficulty breathing is a serious symptom that requires prompt medical attention. While these first aid measures can help temporarily, they are not substitutes for professional medical care.