Breathing problems are a common complaint of patients coming into emergency rooms. They frequently stem from heart or lung problems such as congestive heart failure or asthma but can also be caused by other factors such as panic attacks. A number of hospital breathing treatments are available that use therapeutic drugs aimed at treating the condition or that provide extra oxygen to ease respiratory difficulties.
Beta Agonists
Beta agonists are a class of drugs that include albuterol. These drugs are taken by inhaler or nebulizer. They act mainly by dilating the main air passages of the lungs called bronchi and the small airways called bronchioles by relaxing the smooth muscle surrounding the airways. This class of drugs acts similarly to the "fight or flight" hormone adrenalin, so its side effects may include nervousness or shakiness.
Muscarinic Antagonists
Muscarinic antagonists are another class of drugs that are often given at the same time as beta agonists. A commonly used drug in this class is ipratropium, brand name Atrovent. It also acts to relax smooth muscle in the airways of the lungs. This drug is most commonly used to treat COPD, a disorder of the lungs and airways that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, according to Drugs.com.
Face Masks
Various oxygen delivery devices are also available to help with breathing. The most simple is a nasal cannula, the small plastic prongs that fit into each nostril can deliver up to 6 liters of oxygen per minute. A Venturi mask is similar but fits over the mouth and nose. It has holes in the side, so it does not deliver pure oxygen. A non-rebreather delivers oxygen and removes the gases that are expired so that higher concentrations of oxygen can be given.
Intubation and Ventilation
If respiratory failure is imminent and the person can no longer breath adequately on his own, a breathing tube may be inserted through the mouth or nose into the trachea, or wind pipe. Pure oxygen can be delivered through the tube. In addition, the person will not need to do any work or exert any force to breathe if he is unable to. A ventilator can do all the work of breathing. Similarly, if the patient is able to do some of the work of breathing, the ventilator can assist with the rest, according to the text, "Basics of Anesthesia."
References
- PubMed Health: Albuterol
- Drugs.com: Ipratropium Official FDA Information, Side Effects, and Uses
- "Basics of Anesthesia"; Stoelting and Miller; 5th Edition 2006
