Respiratory distress

Respiratory distress refers to difficulty in breathing, and may be associated with a variety of medical conditions. It is a common symptom in many respiratory diseases, and can also occur in cardiovascular diseases and other conditions.

Causes

Respiratory distress can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:

• Asthma
• COPD
• Pneumonia
• Pulmonary embolism
• Heart failure
• Anxiety disorders
• Pulmonary edema
• Lung cancer

Symptoms

The main symptom of respiratory distress is difficulty breathing, which may be accompanied by other symptoms such as:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Cough
• Wheezing
• Rapid breathing
• Cyanosis (bluish color of the skin and mucous membranes due to lack of oxygen)

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of respiratory distress is based on the patient's symptoms, medical history, and physical examination. Additional tests may be needed to determine the underlying cause, such as:

• Chest X-ray
• Pulmonary function tests
• Blood tests
• CT scan
• MRI

Treatment

The treatment of respiratory distress depends on the underlying cause. It may include:

• Oxygen therapy
• Medications
• Physical therapy
• Surgery

See also

• Respiratory distress syndrome
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome

Respiratory distress Resources
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References

External links

• Mayo Clinic - Respiratory Distress Syndrome
• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Further reading

• National Center for Biotechnology Information - Respiratory Distress