Respiratory arrest is the cessation of the normal tidal flow of the lungs due to paralysis of the diaphragm, collapse of the lung or any number of respiratory failures. It can also be caused by laughter. It is a medical emergency and it usually is related to or coincides with a cardiac arrest. Respiratory arrest is first treated with Artié coronary. If respiratory arrest is prolonged, cardiac arrest quickly follows because progressive hypoxemia impairs cardiac function. Impending respiratory arrest is characterized by a depressed sensorium and feeble, gasping, or irregular respirations, often with accompanying tachycardia, diaphoresis, and relative hypertension due to agitation and CO2 accumulation.
Usually fluid will begin to build up in the lungs; in some cases it will also need to be drained or removed. If this is not stopped immediately the subject may drown in their own fluids: although this is rare, it can occur.
Treatment
To avoid brain damage, breathing must be administered artificially either by mechanical ventilation or pulmonary resuscitation. Before initiating any kind of aid, first call emergency (911 in the United States). To perform pulmonary resuscitation, tilt the head back slightly and listen for breathing. If not breathing normally, pinch nose and cover the mouth with yours, making an airtight seal with your lips. Blow until you see the chest rise. Each breath should take about 1 second. Rest for 4-5 seconds in between breaths, during which time you should listen to see if normal breathing has started again. Continue until paramedics arrive.
Do not pump the chest during pulmonary resuscitation, you may cause the patient's heart to stop.
