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Breathing difficulties - first aid

Definition:

Breathing difficulties can be described in several different ways. You may be short of breath, unable to take a deep breath, gasping for air, or feel like you are not getting enough air.

See also: Choking

Alternative Names:

Difficulty breathing - first aid; Dyspnea - first aid; Shortness of breath - first aid

Considerations:

If you are having difficulty breathing, it is almost always a medical emergency (other than feeling slightly winded from normal activity like exercise or climbing a hill).

Causes:

Difficulty breathing has many potential causes. Some of the most common are:

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