HealthInfo West Coast-Te Tai Poutini
Breathing difficulties
Raru whai hā
Difficulty breathing is usually a medical emergency. Certain health conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), croup and infections such as pneumonia can cause breathing difficulties. Sometimes a severe allergy known as anaphylaxis can cause breathing difficulties.
Having difficulty breathing is very frightening and a person may become very anxious and agitated. Signs of breathing difficulties include:
- being short of breath
- not being able to take a deep breath
- breathing quickly
- gasping for air
- feeling as if they cannot get enough oxygen.
Helping someone who is having difficulty breathing
- If they become unconscious, follow these instructions.
- If they're conscious and breathing, get them to rest in whatever position is most comfortable for them.
- Loosen any tight clothing.
- Help them to use any prescribed medicine they may have, such as an asthma inhaler or oxygen.
Important
If you're concerned about someone's breathing and they do not get better after using their medication, phone 111 for an ambulance.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed December 2022.
SourcesReview key: HIFAD-141030
