Treatment plans for breathing difficulty are individualized depending on the underlying cause, the presence of coexisting diseases, the age and medical history of the patient, and other factors. Treatment generally involves a multifaceted plan that addresses the cause, eases breathing, decreases the risk of developing serious complications, and helps a person to rest comfortably and live an active life.
If breathing difficulty results in low levels of oxygen in the blood, supplemental oxygen is generally used. There are a variety of devices that are worn on the face to deliver different concentrations of supplemental oxygen. Oxygen is delivered to the lungs through mechanical ventilation in cases of severe breathing difficulty or respiratory failure.
When breathing difficulty is caused by a viral infection, such as viral pneumonia, the treatment is rest, increased fluids and using a vaporizer. When breathing difficulty is caused by a bacterial infection, such as in bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics are prescribed as well.
When breathing difficulty is caused by asthma, medications may include corticosteroids and bronchodilators, which are breathed in via inhalers and nebulizers. Other respiratory diseases that cause breathing difficulty may require additional intravenous medications, hospitalization, intensive care and possibly life support measures.
Breathing difficulty caused by the pain of such conditions as rib fractures may be helped by pain medications. Breathing difficulty caused by narcotic overdose can be reversed by the medication naloxone [Narcan]. Breathing difficulty caused by hyperventilation or and anxiety attack can be treated by breathing into a paper bag. Breathing difficulty caused by a sleep disorder may be treated with a device called a CPAP machine.
Breathing difficulty caused by trauma to the chest that results in a collapsed lung condition, such as pneumothorax or hemopneumothorax is treated by re-inflating the lung and draining the blood by insertion of a chest tube.
The list of treatments mentioned in various sources for Breathing difficulty includes the following list. Always seek professional medical advice about any treatment or change in treatment plans.
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