Gasping breathing refers to a severe breathing disorder that often precedes a respiratory arrest. It is characterized by gasping breaths, each with pauses between them. Snatch breathing is often not recognized as threatening by laypersons during resuscitation; however, it can be fatal.
What is gasping breathing?
The condition of gasping breaths is predominantly treated with oxygen supplementation, as it is oxygen deprivation that triggers it. Gasping represents a life-threatening respiratory disorder that occurs because of a lack of respiratory drive. It is characterized by pauses in breathing and short gasping breaths that usually occur quite close together. Usually, these breaths occur one at a time and several seconds apart. However, the longer the pauses between the individual gasping breaths, the more threatening the condition can become. On the one hand, because a respiratory arrest could always occur, which the gasping breaths usually herald. On the other hand, however, also because the brain is not sufficiently supplied with oxygen in this case. It is explosive that the snap respiration is still not recognized as such by most laymen and therefore is not felt as threatening. Often, for example, gasping is classified as a sign of excitement and the person affected is merely asked to calm down again. Therefore, action is usually taken and the emergency call is dialed only when respiratory arrest is imminent or already present.
Causes
Gasping for breath can have many different causes. For example, a common cause may be preceded by holding one’s breath for a long time, such as while diving. In cases such as this, the body responds to a lack of oxygen with gasping breathing in an attempt to preserve vital functions by breathing rapidly. In normal and harmless cases of gasping, however, the condition of the affected person and thus also the breathing normalize again quite quickly. This is because the body normally regulates breathing back to a normal rhythm when there is no longer a shortage of oxygen. In addition, various medications can also trigger gasping. Mostly, however, this is mentioned in the side effects or is triggered by an overdose. For example, gasping is particularly common when opiates are overdosed or not taken properly. The reason for this is the intoxication present, which in turn can lead to shortness of breath and thus to gasping. However, organic causes can also trigger gasping. Acute or chronic lung diseases are relatively often the cause of breathing being impaired or affected and thus brought out of rhythm. In addition, however, the breathing disorder can also be triggered by heart problems (such as heart failure) or cardiovascular disease.
Diseases with this symptom
- Lung diseases
- Heart failure
- Cardiovascular disease
Diagnosis and course
A gasping breath can usually be quickly recognized and diagnosed by a specialist. This is because the patient struggles with visible, short and gasping breaths and is therefore rarely able to speak. However, gasping breaths can also cause the affected person to lose consciousness due to hyperventilation. In the most drastic case, respiratory arrest occurs. Laypersons should call a doctor as soon as possible – ideally by calling 911. The attending physician will usually find out the patient’s condition by assessing the patient and performing a few examinations. In most cases, only after the gasping has stopped and normal breathing has been restored will the cause be found out and, if necessary, treated. This is because the chances of recovery depend primarily on the cause underlying the gasping. In addition, however, the period in which help is given is also decisive. The longer the gasping continues, the more dangerous it becomes for the affected person.
Complications
Various complications can occur with gasping breathing. In the worst case, respiratory arrest occurs here, leading to the death of the patient after about 13 minutes. In most cases, gasping leads to unconsciousness and respiratory arrest. Since the organs are no longer supplied with oxygen, the patient’s extremities turn blue.The organs themselves can be damaged by the lack of oxygen. The longer the brain remains without oxygen, the more it is damaged. This usually leads to disabilities or restrictions in thinking. If the patient is not breathing, emergency ventilation must be performed. This involves holding the patient’s nose shut to prevent air from escaping from the lungs. If the emergency physician arrives in time, the snatch breathing can be resolved relatively well. However, whether gasping leads to secondary damage and complications depends largely on its duration. Therefore, the emergency physician must be alerted immediately and the patient must receive emergency ventilation. If the gasping breathing occurs due to the overdose of drugs or sleeping pills, death usually results if the emergency physician does not arrive in time.
When should you go to the doctor?
Gasping is a life-threatening symptom that must be treated immediately in all cases. Anyone who notices gasping or other breathing problems in themselves or others should therefore definitely notify the emergency services. This is the only way to prevent the threat of respiratory arrest and to determine the reason for the disturbed breathing. This applies in particular if a lung disease is already present or the cause is unknown. If hyperventilation occurs, first aid measures must be taken until the emergency physician arrives. If acute gasping for breath occurs as a result of swallowing or an allergic reaction, this also requires immediate medical attention. A visit to the doctor is recommended at the first signs of respiratory problems. In particular, breathing pauses must be clarified quickly, because if left untreated, initially mild symptoms can develop into intense stress for the respiratory tract and the entire body. In general, then, gasping breathing must always be treated by a specialist in order to determine the causative disease and avoid serious complications.
Treatment and therapy
The condition of gasping is predominantly treated by the supply of oxygen, since it is oxygen deficiency that triggers it. In addition, however, during diagnosis and treatment, a check is made to see if a foreign body is blocking the trachea and thus responsible for the lack of oxygen. If this is the case, the foreign body is removed as quickly as possible. A further treatment step, depending on the cause of the gasping breath, could also be medication. This is especially necessary if the condition was triggered by another medication or by an overdose. In some special and rare cases, intubation may be necessary to restore oxygenation – for example, if the trachea is too blocked or so compromised by injury that regular ventilation through it is not possible. This is because the first step in treatment in the case of gasping is always to restore sufficient oxygen to the patient. Only when this has been achieved and an imminent or present danger to life has been averted is treatment extended to the causes and to any late effects.
Outlook and prognosis
If gasping occurs, it must be treated immediately. If an emergency physician is not on hand, first aid must be given to the patient. If treatment does not occur or occurs too late, respiratory arrest usually results, which in extreme cases can cause death. As a result of the respiratory arrest, organs are not supplied with sufficient air and can suffer damage. The brain in particular is severely affected. Parts of it can die or be damaged, so that paralysis or psychological problems can occur in the affected person. The emergency physician usually performs resuscitation. Whether and how the further course of the patient will be, depends strongly on the physical and psychological condition of the affected person. If no emergency physician is on hand, the patient must be placed in the stable lateral position and given emergency artificial respiration. This is done until the gasping stops or the emergency physician arrives. Gasping can also occur as a result of swallowing objects. In this case, the foreign object must be removed particularly quickly to prevent subsequent damage. As a rule, gasping itself does not lead to complications, but organs can be damaged by the brief deprivation of oxygen. However, these consequences cannot be universally predicted.
Prevention
Snatch breathing can be prevented in only a few situations. For example, when the affected person knows that one could be imminent – for example, by breathing or surfacing incorrectly while diving or by taking medication incorrectly. In addition, patients suffering from a lung condition may be able to prevent it by avoiding environments and activities that could trigger respiratory distress and, therefore, gasping. However, numerous factors that can trigger a lack of oxygen and thus the condition cannot be influenced. Therefore, gasping breathing still occurs quite often suddenly and unexpectedly.
This is what you can do yourself
Gasping is a serious breathing disorder and always requires medical clarification. Accompanying for example sport and physiotherapy help to strengthen the airways again and to reduce the complaints. Gentle sports activities such as swimming, walking or hiking are particularly recommended. Respiratory therapy can also help alleviate the symptom. Proven home remedies for gasping breath include eucalyptus, St. John’s wort, mint or thyme. Appropriate medicinal herbs clear the respiratory tract and facilitate breathing, but also have a positive effect on other endogenous processes. Steam baths with chamomile or sage have a similar effect. For mild discomfort, it may already be enough to relax and take a walk in the fresh air. A vigorous cough can help to remove possible foreign bodies such as mucus or food residues from the throat. In cases of acute gasping for breath, the stable side position helps. Affected persons should also be ventilated from mouth to nose until the respiratory distress has subsided or the emergency services arrive. There may also be a foreign body in the airways that can be removed independently. Gasping as a result of a toxic overdose can only be treated in hospital. Organic ailments, such as pneumonia or diaphragmatitis, also require specialist evaluation.
