A patient’s chest not inflating requires immediate attention. It indicates a severe disruption in the body’s ability to take in air, which can quickly lead to a lack of oxygen. This is an emergency, and understanding basic steps can be helpful while professional medical assistance is en route. The information provided here is for general knowledge and does not replace the guidance of trained medical professionals or emergency services.
Understanding How Breathing Works
Normal breathing involves a coordinated effort of several body parts to draw air into the lungs. The primary muscle involved is the diaphragm, a dome-shaped muscle located below the lungs. When the diaphragm contracts, it moves downward, increasing the space within the chest cavity.
Simultaneously, muscles between the ribs also contract, pulling the rib cage upward and outward. This expansion of the chest cavity creates a lower pressure inside the lungs compared to the outside air, causing air to rush in and fill the lungs. When the chest does not inflate, it signals a failure in this mechanical process, meaning air is not effectively entering the lungs, which is necessary for oxygen exchange.
Common Causes When the Chest Doesn’t Inflate
A lack of chest inflation can stem from various issues that impede the flow of air or the expansion of the lungs. These causes generally fall into categories such as airway obstruction, problems with the lungs or chest wall, or issues with the brain and nerve control of breathing.
Airway obstruction occurs when something physically blocks the passage of air to the lungs. This can happen if a foreign object, such as food, becomes lodged in the windpipe. Severe allergic reactions can also cause tissues in the throat to swell, narrowing the airway.
Problems directly affecting the lungs or the chest wall can also prevent proper inflation. A collapsed lung, medically known as a pneumothorax, happens when air leaks into the space between the lung and the chest wall, putting pressure on the lung. Fluid accumulation in the lungs, called pulmonary edema, can make the lungs stiff and unable to expand fully. Severe trauma to the chest, such as multiple broken ribs, can compromise the structural integrity of the chest wall.
Issues with the brain or nervous system can also disrupt the body’s ability to initiate and control breathing. Conditions like an overdose of certain substances can depress the brain’s respiratory centers, reducing or stopping the signals that tell the body to breathe. A stroke or severe head injury can damage the specific areas of the brain responsible for regulating breathing, leading to an inability to control the muscles involved in chest inflation.
Immediate Actions to Take
When a patient’s chest is not inflating, call for emergency medical assistance. Dialing 911 or your local emergency number is the first and most important step to ensure professional help arrives quickly.
While waiting for responders, assess the individual’s responsiveness by gently shaking their shoulder and speaking loudly to them. If there is no response, positioning the person correctly can help. Carefully tilt their head back and lift their chin to open the airway. After opening the airway, check for normal breathing for no more than 10 seconds by looking for chest movement and listening for breath sounds. If the person is not breathing normally or is only gasping, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
CPR involves performing chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute, pushing down firmly in the center of the chest. If trained, rescue breaths can be given after every 30 compressions by pinching the person’s nose and sealing your mouth over theirs, delivering two steady breaths. If you suspect choking and the person is conscious, perform the Heimlich maneuver.
Preparing for Emergency Responders
Once emergency services have been contacted and immediate actions initiated, preparing for their arrival can help facilitate a smoother transition of care. Clearing space around the individual allows emergency medical personnel easy access to the patient and their equipment. Moving furniture or other obstacles can be helpful in this situation.
Gathering relevant information about the patient can provide valuable context to the responders. This includes details about what happened leading up to the emergency, any known pre-existing medical conditions the person has, and a list of any medications they are currently taking. Have this information readily available to relay to the emergency medical team upon their arrival.