Mold can present dangers for individuals in their homes, office spaces and many other indoor and outdoor environments. Notably, as a fungal growth that forms on damp and decaying organic matter and grows during all seasons of the year, mold can cause a range of respiratory emergencies if its spores are inhaled. 

Although it may seem like COVID-19 is the only respiratory disease crisis on medical professionals’ radar, influenza and pneumonia season is around the corner, and doctors worry that it may be more severe than people expect.

For adults and children, respiratory diseases are typically just a minor annoyance. For neonates, they can be fatal. Respiratory distress is a leading cause of death in newborns, particularly premature infants. In addition to infectious causes, it also occurs in 7% of neonates.

Most patients know only about continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) as a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. But in emergency medicine, CPAP has many uses, particularly for neonates with respiratory distress. 

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) occurs when blood oxygen levels drop too low because of fluid accumulating in the lungs. Numerous medical conditions, both acute and chronic, can cause ARDS. In many cases, a first responder or doctor will hear wheezing or crackling sounds coming from the lungs. When the lungs are clear, this usually signals a hematologic, metabolic, or obstructive process. Here’s what you need to know about diagnosing and treating the cause. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has made acute respiratory distress one of the most common emergencies first responders face. Without prompt intervention, it can lead to respiratory failure and life-threatening complications. One 2016 study found that 34 percent of respiratory failure sufferers had died within a year of their diagnosis. As the pandemic rips through communities, you must do everything you can to mitigate its effects. These guidelines can help you offer appropriate airway protection to treat and ideally prevent acute respiratory failure. 

Respiratory failure and respiratory distress are both medical emergencies that demand prompt treatment. Both present special dangers to vulnerable groups such as children, elders, and people with chronic illnesses. Respiratory distress, for example, affects about 1 percent of newborns, and is the leading cause of death in neonates born prematurely.

Pediatric respiratory emergencies may make even the most seasoned provider nervous. It’s safe to say that when a child is hurt or sick, the situation becomes more serious. Your pediatric patient is not simply a smaller version of your adult patient. Children require special considerations, especially when a child is experiencing a respiratory emergency. There are a few things to keep in mind about pediatric respiratory emergencies: variations in pediatric airway anatomy, common respiratory emergencies in children, assessment techniques, and equipment choice. Let’s review how all of these factors relate to pediatric respiratory emergencies and how you can be better prepared when facing such an emergency.