Understanding Breathing Problems: What to Watch for in First Aid & Everyday Safety

Breathing problems can be frightening—for both the person experiencing them and anyone nearby. Feeling short of breath, tight in the chest, or unable to get enough air can range from a brief, harmless issue to a sign of a serious medical condition.

In some cases, breathing difficulty is temporary, such as during a flu or common cold. In other situations, it may signal a chronic or potentially life-threatening condition. From a first aid, CPR, and workplace safety perspective, knowing the difference is critical.

If breathing problems occur without a clear reason, worsen, or do not resolve after recovery from an illness, medical assessment is essential.

Breathing Problems Due to Asthma

Asthma occurs when the airways become inflamed, narrowed, or blocked, making it difficult for air to move in and out of the lungs. Although the exact cause is not fully understood, asthma involves overly sensitive airways that react strongly to triggers.

Common asthma triggers include:

Dust, pollen, and mold
Chemicals and strong odours
Animal dander
Certain foods or medications
Cold air and weather changes
Stress or physical exertion

When exposed to a trigger, the airways swell and constrict, leading to symptoms such as:

Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Chest tightness
Fatigue

Symptoms often worsen at night or during exercise, which is important to recognize in school, sport, or workplace settings.

Bronchitis

The lungs contain bronchial tubes that carry air in and out. Bronchitis develops when these tubes become inflamed.

Acute bronchitis commonly follows a flu or cold and usually resolves with time.
Chronic bronchitis is a long-term condition often linked to smoking, second-hand smoke, air pollution, or chemical exposure.

Symptoms may include:

Ongoing cough with mucus
Difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Chills
Chest discomfort

⚠️ First aid awareness: Chronic bronchitis can significantly limit breathing capacity, especially during physical work or emergency situations.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition that disrupts normal breathing during sleep, leading to poor oxygen levels and frequent nighttime awakenings—often without the person realizing it.

There are three main types:

Obstructive sleep apnea – soft tissues in the throat block the airway
Central sleep apnea – the brain fails to signal breathing
Mixed sleep apnea – a combination of both

When breathing stops, the brain briefly wakes the individual to restart breathing. Over time, this increases the risk of:

Daytime fatigue
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Workplace accidents

Being overweight significantly increases the risk of sleep apnea.

Emphysema

Emphysema is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It occurs when the delicate walls of the air sacs (alveoli) are damaged, causing air to become trapped in the lungs.

Common causes include:

Smoking
Long-term exposure to pollutants or chemicals

Early symptoms may be mistaken for a cold, which delays treatment. Watch for:

Chronic cough
Shortness of breath
Wheezing
Difficulty taking a deep breath

Without early intervention, emphysema can progressively worsen and severely limit daily activities.

When to Seek Emergency Care

From a first aid and CPR standpoint, breathing problems should be treated as urgent if they involve:

Sudden or unexplained shortness of breath
Blue or grey lips or fingernails
Chest pain or pressure
Severe wheezing or gasping
Confusion or loss of consciousness

Call emergency services immediately if these signs are present.

Why Breathing Awareness Matters in First Aid & Work Safety

Understanding breathing problems helps:

First aiders recognize medical emergencies early
Employers maintain safer workplaces
Individuals know when symptoms are not “just a cold”
Bystanders respond quickly and appropriately

Breathing issues are a core focus of Canadian first aid and CPR training, as early recognition can prevent serious complications or death.

Educational Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Anyone experiencing persistent or unexplained breathing problems should consult a healthcare professional.