Respiratory arrest is a medical emergency characterized by the cessation of effective breathing. It can quickly lead to cardiac arrest if not promptly addressed.

Causes

• Airway obstruction
  • Foreign body aspiration
  • Trauma
  • Anaphylaxis
  • Laryngospasm
• Central nervous system depression
  • Drug overdose (opioids, benzodiazepines)
  • Stroke
  • Head injury
• Neuromuscular disorders
  • Guillain-Barré syndrome
  • Myasthenia gravis
• Lung diseases
  • Severe asthma
  • COPD exacerbation
  • Pneumonia
• Metabolic disorders
  • Severe acidosis

Signs and Symptoms

• Absence of breathing or gasping
• Cyanosis (blue discoloration of skin and mucous membranes)
• Loss of consciousness
• Dilated pupils

Immediate Management

• Check responsiveness and breathing
• Activate emergency response system
• Open airway (head tilt-chin lift or jaw thrust)
• Provide rescue breaths
• One breath every 5-6 seconds for adults
• One breath every 3-5 seconds for children
• Check pulse
• If pulse present, continue rescue breathing
• If no pulse, begin CPR

Advanced Life Support

• Endotracheal intubation or supraglottic airway device
• Mechanical ventilation
• Administration of reversal agents if applicable (e.g., naloxone for opioid overdose)
• Treatment of underlying cause

Prevention

• Proper management of chronic respiratory conditions
• Careful monitoring of patients on respiratory depressants
• Appropriate use of personal protective equipment in hazardous environments