How to recognize and act? – ZWP online – the news portal for the dental industry

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1. Asthma attack

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease in which the airways are sensitive to various stimuli (allergens, infections, physical exertion, cold air, smoke or air pollution) and can become life-threateningly narrow.

Identification mark:

  • Difficulty breathing in and out (shortness of breath)
  • Persistent, increasing cough
  • Whistling or squeaking breathing noise
  • Tightness in the chest

Measures:

  • Keep calm, calm the person concerned and call 112
  • Stop stimulation if possible
  • Positioning: Lean your upper body slightly forward and rest your elbows on your thighs (coachman’s seat)
  • Support when taking asthma spray or inhaler (maximum two puffs)
  • Loosen restrictive clothing
  • Do not give fluids as this may worsen symptoms

2. Breathing/suffocation from foreign bodies

Foreign body asphyxia, also known as foreign body aspiration or ingestion, occurs when an object or foreign body enters the respiratory tract and blocks the flow of air/oxygen.

Identification mark:

  • Sudden, violent urge to cough
  • Shortness of breath due to blockage in the airways
  • Rattling or wheezing breathing noises
  • Pallor or cyanosis (lack of oxygen)

Measures:

  • Call 112 as soon as possible and encourage the affected person to cough
  • If coughing doesn’t help: have the person bend forward and deliver five strong blows with the flat of your hand between the shoulder blades

If the foreign body is still not removed: Heimlich handle

a: Stand behind the person and put your arms around the waist

b: Form a fist with one hand and place it just above the navel and below the breastbone

c: Grip your clenched fist firmly with your other hand

d: Give five strong upward thrusts towards the affected person’s head

  • Continue alternating measures until the foreign body comes out or the person loses consciousness

3. Severe allergic reaction

A severe allergic reaction, also called anaphylactic shock, is a life-threatening reaction to an allergen. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction can occur within seconds to minutes.

Identification mark:

  • Acute shortness of breath
  • Swelling of the face, especially the eyes and mouth, and swelling of the tongue and throat
  • Itchy rashes, hives, or red skin
  • Drop in blood pressure and rapid heartbeat
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Confusion up to loss of consciousness

Measures:

  • Immediate emergency call 112
  • Stay calm and calm the person
  • Use epinephrine injector (EpiPen or similar product) (if available)
  • Cool swelling (neck/pharynx).
  • If necessary, create a shock position
  • Immediate resuscitation measures in the event of respiratory failure

4. Hyperventilation

Hyperventilation can be triggered by stress, anxiety, physical exertion, heat, or certain medical conditions that cause the affected person to breathe faster and deeper than normal. This leads to excessive ventilation of the lungs and can create an imbalance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.

Identification mark:

  • Rapid breathing, dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Numbness/tingling in the hands and feet
  • Heart palpitations/chest pain
  • Sweating, anxiety or panic

Measures:

  • Stay calm and calm the person
  • Give breathing instructions: breathe in slowly and deeply through the nose, breathe out slowly through the mouth
  • Have the person breathe in and out into their own palms = return carbon dioxide
  • Emergency call 112 if symptoms do not improve

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