Labored breathing Health Article

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