Respiratory Emergencies (1)
croup
Typically found in small children (6 mo - 3 yrs), symptoms increase at night, flu-like with characteristic "seal bark" cough. caused by upper airway inflammation usually following viral infection. Will typically occur seasonally in the fall/winter months. Responds well to humidified O2 and steroids.
Epliglottitis
Typically found in infants and children, though can possibly spread to adults. Caused by mostly bacterial infection of the epiglottis. The epiglottis will swell to 2x-3x its normal size and symptoms are rapidly onset in younger populations. The condition can prove fatal. Symptoms are flu-like w/ sore throat & high fevers. Provide a comfortable position, O2, and immediate transport for adults and children. Take care to avoid oral insertions as this could completely block the airway. In children be careful not to make them cry and to suction out any possible drooling.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Typically found in young children, a viral infection of the lungs/ breathing passages. May cause bronchiolitis, pneumonia, & other heart/lung problems. a key symptom is dehydration. Treat airway and breathing accordingly, with humidified O2 if available.
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Bronchiolitis
Often caused by RSV, resulting in inflammation and swelling of the bronchioles. The bronchioles will fill with mucus. Typically found in newborns and toddlers, especially males. Treat with supportive care and provide O2 therapy as needed. Make sure to provide frequent reassessments and be prepared to handle respiratory failure. Typically occur in the winter and spring months.
pneumonia
Pneumonia is a general term for infection of the lungs, where O2 and Co2 can't be exchanged properly. May be bacterial, viral, or the result of trauma. Symptoms are flu-like and breath sounds will crackle and wheeze. Be prepared for deterioration with the patient and provide airway and O2 therapy as needed with consistent reassessment
Pertussis
AKA Whooping Cough, typically found patients 6 years or younger. Characterized by flu-like symptoms with coughing fits that last longer than usually followed by a "whoop" sound upon inspiration. Can be fatal to children under 6 months. In adults, coughing can become so severe it may cause cracked ribs and other issues like pneumonia. Provide O2 therapy, watch for dehydatrion, and suction if needed.
Influenza Type A
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Caused by a disease in animals which mutated to humans, Symptoms are flu-like, and some dehydration. May increase the affects of other chronic illnesses, and are transmitted through droplets.
Covid-19
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Caused by viral infection. Highly communicable and spread through droplets as well as dormant on surfaces. Flu like symptoms with characteristic inability to smell. and will typically infect the elderly and people who live in close quarters. Prepare for possible rapid and dramatic deterioration.
Respiratory Emergencies (2)
Tuberculosis
A bacterial infection spread by cough. Some strains have developed bacterial resistance. Often affects lungs, but can affect almost any other organs. TB can lie dormant and only resurface when the immune system is compromised. Make sure to don proper BSI, an N-95, gloves, and eye protection for the provider and a surgical/oxygen mask for the pt. Symptoms are flu-like with pertinence for weight loss and night sweats. Provide immediate transport.
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Acute Pulmonary Edema
Usually caused by CHF, characterized by buildup of blood and fluid int the lungs due to the left side being unable to remove blood as rapidly as the right can deliver. Pulmonary edema causes the patient to drown in their own fluids. Pulmonary edema can also be onset by inhalation of toxins and traumatic injuries which impair the lungs ability to remove fluid. Symptoms include tachycardia, hypertension, and wheezing, which may develop into the opposite if found later. Provide supportive care and transport.
COPD
AKA Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. COPD is an umbrella term used to describe multiple diseases like emphysema and chronic bronchitis. most patients with COPD exhibit symptoms of both. Provide supportive care and transport.
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Chronic Bronchitis- triggered by excessive inhalation of toxins or infections, usually via smoke. Characterized by obstructions of airways with mucus and death of cells and mechanisms which remove such obstructions.
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Emphysema- the loss of elastic tissue in the lungs due to chronic overstretching via. infection.
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Allergic Reactions
Hay fever, Asthma, and Anaphylaxis are all caused by exposure to allergens being inhaled, ingested, or otherwise introduced into the body. Hay fever is commonly known as simply "seasonal allergies" and though a high volume of people suffer from it, it is typically not an emergency. Symptoms for hay fever are flu like, but mild.
Asthma is caused by acute spasms in the bronchioles and produces characteristic wheezing. Asthma may cause exhalation to be difficult and can lead to respiratory arrest and cyanosis.
Anaphylaxis is caused by a severe allergic reaction which causes anaphylactic shock, where the airways swell and blood vessels dilate throughout the entire body. These are typically treatable with epinephrin, and are usually caused by intake of an allergen such as peanuts or medication.
Pneumothorax
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AKA Collapsed lung, can be spontaneous. can be caused bh both traumatic injury and infection. some signs and symptoms include tracheal deviation, hypotension, and absence of lung sounds on collapsed side. Be prepared to provide O2 and ventilation therapy, as well as CPR if necessary. Patient condition can range from severe respiratory distress to just chest pain.
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Pulmonary Embolism
Functions similarly to a heart attack but in the lungs, where a clot goes through the veins into the lungs. Will usually be characterized by respiratory distress, pinpoint pain, and hemoptysis/ coughing up blood. Transport stat and provide O2 in all cases.
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Pleural effusion occurs when fluid collects outside of the lung and compresses, essentially drowning the patient in their own fluids. It is usually caused by infection, CHF, or cancer. Treatment should be provided in the hospital, but as an EMT you mus provide O2 and transport w/ supportive care.
Pleural Effusion