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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Pulmonary Arrest: Causes, Recognition, and Management
Introduction
Pulmonary arrest is a life-threatening condition characterized by the sudden cessation of breathing, leading to oxygen deprivation and, if untreated, cardiac arrest. It requires immediate recognition and emergency intervention.
Causes of Pulmonary Arrest
Pulmonary arrest can result from various conditions, including: - Respiratory diseases: Severe asthma, COPD exacerbation, pneumonia - Neuromuscular disorders: Myasthenia gravis, Guillain-Barré syndrome - Obstruction: Foreign body aspiration, anaphylaxis - Cardiac causes: Myocardial infarction, heart failure - Toxic/metabolic causes: Drug overdose, poisoning, severe electrolyte imbalances
Recognition of Pulmonary Arrest
Key signs of pulmonary arrest include: - Absence of breathing or agonal gasps - Cyanosis (bluish discoloration of lips or fingertips) - Loss of consciousness - No detectable chest movement
Emergency Management
Immediate steps: 1. Check responsiveness – Tap the patient and shout for help. 2. Call emergency services (911/112). 3. Open the airway – Tilt the head back and check for obstruction. 4. Provide rescue breathing – If no spontaneous breathing, initiate artificial ventilation using mouth-to-mouth or a bag-mask device. 5. Begin CPR if necessary – If no pulse, start chest compressions (30 compressions to 2 breaths). 6. Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) if available and cardiac arrest is suspected.
Prevention and Long-Term Management
- Managing chronic respiratory diseases effectively
- Avoiding known allergens or triggers
- Proper medication usage in asthma/COPD patients
- Regular monitoring and check-ups for high-risk individuals
Conclusion
Recognizing pulmonary arrest and acting promptly can save lives. Immediate intervention with artificial ventilation and, if needed, CPR is crucial in improving survival chances.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care
- https://cpr.heart.org/en/resuscitation-science/cpr-and-ecc-guidelines
- https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/2020-aha-guidelines-for-cpr-and-ecc
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001194
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33081530/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000918
2. European Resuscitation Council Guidelines for Resuscitation
- https://cprguidelines.eu/guidelines-2021
- https://www.erc.edu/
- https://cprguidelines.eu/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0300957221000551
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33773825/
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
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We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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