Acute assessment of breathing problems in adults
A medical consult is recommended where there is no specific protocol for a condition
- Always consider sepsis — signs and symptoms can include
- High or low temperature
- Fast breathing
- Fast pulse
- Low BP or dizziness
- Confusion and/or agitation
Red Flags — Urgent Medical Consult |
---|
|
Check
Table 1.11 Causes of breathing problems in adults
Signs and symptoms | Possible cause |
Cold and clammy skin | Shock — may be from heart attack, sepsis, tension pneumothorax, large pulmonary embolus (PE), anaphylaxis, severe dehydration, internal haemorrhage (eg GIH, ectopic pregnancy) — medical consult |
Fatigue/ weakness | Heart arrhythmias — medical consult |
Sudden onset of shortness of breath | Pulmonary embolism — medical consult |
Chest pain | Pulmonary oedema — medical consult |
Sharp pain on breathing | Pneumothorax — medical consult |
Severe, rapidly increasing shortness of breath, anxiety | Tension pneumothorax — medical consult |
Fever, cough, looks unwell |
— medical consult |
History of chronic lung problems and/or long-term smoker | Exacerbation of chronic lung disease — medical consult |
Cough with wheeze | Acute asthma — medical consult |
Swelling of the lips or tongue | Anaphylaxis — medical consult |
Anxious/fearful/upset | Anxiety/panic attack — medical consult |