When you stop breathing, it can lead to a medical emergency known as respiratory or cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest is when the heart stops beating and no blood is being pumped to the body. Without oxygen, brain damage can occur within minutes and death will follow shortly after.
What Causes Respiratory Arrest?
Respiratory arrest is caused by a variety of medical conditions, including asthma attacks, bronchitis, COPD, pneumonia, and pulmonary embolism. It can also be caused by drug overdose, drowning, electric shock, or trauma.
Signs of Respiratory Arrest
The signs of respiratory arrest include difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, lack of air movement in the lungs, and a weak pulse. If someone is experiencing any of these symptoms, they should be taken to the hospital immediately.
How to Help Someone Who is Not Breathing
If someone is not breathing, it's important to act quickly and begin CPR. This should be done until medical help arrives. It's important to note that CPR is not a substitute for medical care, but can help buy time until help arrives.
Preventing Respiratory Arrest
The best way to prevent respiratory arrest is to recognize the signs and seek medical attention as soon as possible. It is also important to be aware of any underlying medical conditions that can increase the risk of respiratory arrest. Additionally, it is important to practice good respiratory hygiene, such as avoiding smoking and air pollution and getting regular checkups.
