Post by FireGuy on Apr 24, 2007 8:35:16 GMT -5
Breathing difficulties also affect people who are very allergic to some types of shellfish, nuts, medications and insect bites. These people can suffer an allergic reaction called anaphylactic shock. This reaction begins within minutes of exposure to the substance causing the allergy. During this type of allergic reaction, the airways narrow, making it difficult to breathe. Soon, the heartbeat races and blood pressure drops. Anaphylactic shock can kill if a person is not treated within 15 minutes.
Breathing difficulties from some things may require emergency care.
In children they include:
Wheezing
Croup, a virus with a "barking cough" common in young children
Epiglottitis, which is inflammation of the flap of tissue at the back of the throat that closes off the windpipe
Diphtheria, which is a very contagious throat infection
Heart defects children are born with
In children and adults they include:
Severe allergic reactions
A face, head, nose or lung injury
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Harsh chemical burns in the air passages
Choking
Drug overdose
Poisoning
Asthma
Bronchitis and pneumonia
In adults they include:
Emphysema
Congestive heart failure
Heart attack
Blood clot in a lung
Prevention
Avoid allergic substances or agents that induce asthma, if you have it.
Do not walk, run or jog on roads with heavy automobile traffic.
If you have a gas furnace, have it checked once a year for carbon monoxide leaks.
Never leave your car running in a closed garage.
Make sure immunizations against childhood diseases, especially diphtheria, are up-to-date. This is part of the Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTP) vaccination.
If you smoke, quit.
Keep small objects a child could choke on out of reach and do not give gum, especially bubble gum, nuts, hard candy or popcorn to children under five years old.
Lock up all medications and poisonous substances so small children can't get to them.
Breathing difficulties from some things may require emergency care.
In children they include:
Wheezing
Croup, a virus with a "barking cough" common in young children
Epiglottitis, which is inflammation of the flap of tissue at the back of the throat that closes off the windpipe
Diphtheria, which is a very contagious throat infection
Heart defects children are born with
In children and adults they include:
Severe allergic reactions
A face, head, nose or lung injury
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Harsh chemical burns in the air passages
Choking
Drug overdose
Poisoning
Asthma
Bronchitis and pneumonia
In adults they include:
Emphysema
Congestive heart failure
Heart attack
Blood clot in a lung
Prevention
Avoid allergic substances or agents that induce asthma, if you have it.
Do not walk, run or jog on roads with heavy automobile traffic.
If you have a gas furnace, have it checked once a year for carbon monoxide leaks.
Never leave your car running in a closed garage.
Make sure immunizations against childhood diseases, especially diphtheria, are up-to-date. This is part of the Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTP) vaccination.
If you smoke, quit.
Keep small objects a child could choke on out of reach and do not give gum, especially bubble gum, nuts, hard candy or popcorn to children under five years old.
Lock up all medications and poisonous substances so small children can't get to them.
