Definition
Labored breathing is working hard to breathe.
Alternative Names
Labored respiration, struggling to breathe.
Synopsis
Labored breathing is a medical emergency. Breathing is an automatic process, regulated in the brainstem. Working to breathe is usually a sign of a serious medical problem requiring immediate intervention.
Associated Diagnoses
- Adult respiratory distress syndrome
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Asthma
- Burns (inhalation injury)
- Pneumonia
- Croup
- Pneumothorax
- SARS
- Encephalitis
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Diptheria
- Head injury
- Pulmonary embolism
- Foreign body, swallowed
- Skull fracture
- Patent ductus arteriosus
- Lung cancer
- Shock
Diagnosis and Treatments
A complete history and physical by a qualified provider to assess and treat any underlying condition will be needed to determine the cause of labored breathing. Diagnostic studies may include chest x-rays, CT scan, blood test, arterial blood gases, or ventilation/perfusion scan of the lungs. Treatment will depend on the findings, with the immediate goal of adequate ventilation.
Call 911:
For labored breathing, especially if accompanied by:
- Loss of consciousness
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid breathing
- Nasal flaring
- Air hunger
- Gasping for breath
- Choking
- Chest pain
- Confusion
- Sweating profusely
- Pallor (pale skin)
- Cyanosis (skin turns blue)
- Dizziness
- Coughing up blood
- Fever
