Stridor

Stridor is a loud, abnormal, high-pitched wheezing sound caused by a disruption in the larynx (voice box) or trachea (windpipe). It mainly occurs in children during inspiration (inhalation) but may also be heard during expiration (exhalation). It is more common in children due to their narrower, softer airways as compared to adults. Stridor may either be present at birth (congenital), from an infection or due to trauma.

Stridor in itself is not a diagnosis or disease but a sign of a blockage in the airway. Immediate treatment of the cause is necessary to avoid complete obstruction of airway. Complete blockage of airway may result to inability to breathe. Stridor is also called “abnormal breathing sounds,” “musical breathing,” or “extrathoracic airway obstruction.”

Types of Stridor

The timing and the sound heard during the child’s respiration can help determine the underlying cause or airway problem:

• Inspiratory stridor
  • Occurs during inhalation
  • Indicative of a collapse in the tissue above the vocal cords
• Expiratory stridor
  • Occurs during exhalation
  • Indicative of a problem below the trachea (located under the larynx)
• Biphasic stridor
  • Occurs during both inhalation and expiration

Causes of Stridor

The blockage in the airway may be caused by the swelling of the tissues in the throat,upper airway muscle or vocal cord spasm, or blockage of an object. The following are the more specific causes of stridor:

• Congenital causes:
  • Laryngomalacia (most common cause in infants)
  • Subglottic stenosis
  • Subglottic hemangomia
  • Vascular rings
• Infectious causes
  • Croup
  • Epiglottis
  • Bronchitis
  • Severe tonsillitis
  • Tracheitis
  • Abscess in the back of the throat
• Traumatic causes:
  • Presence of foreign bodies in the ear, nose or anywhere along the airway tract
  • Fractures in the neck
  • Neck surgery
  • Ingestion or inhalation of a harmful substance that may lead to airway damage
  • Smoke inhalation
  • Airway injury
  • Allergic reaction and anaphylaxis

Treatment for Stridor

It is always necessary to seek medical attention when stridor is first detected to give treatment to the underlying cause. The following are some of the possible treatments in cases of stridor:

• Observation for minor obstructions
• Medications to ease airway swelling
• Surgery to remove or repair airway obstruction

Disclaimer: This article does not provide medical advice or treatment. The information given should not be used for self-diagnosis of possible conditions. Seek medical attention when necessary. Understanding symptoms that are commonly present in medical situations may help when taking first aid training. To learn more about to how to ease symptoms, such as wheezing, enrol in First Aid Courses with Red Cross Training.

Source:

Stridor. (2012). National Institutes of Health. Retrieved September 27, 2013, from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003074.htm

Stridor. (ND). Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford. Retrieved September 27, 2013, from http://www.lpch.org/DiseaseHealthInfo/HealthLibrary/respire/stridor.html

Stridor (Noisy Breathing). (ND). The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Retrieved September 27, 2013, from http://www.chop.edu/service/airway-disorders/conditions-we-treat/stridor-noisy-breathing.html

The post Stridor: Types, Causes and Treatment appeared first on Lethbridge First Aid.

Depression is a serious medical disorder involving the brain. It is commonly characterized by constant sadness, loss of interest in activities, energy loss, and suicidal thoughts, among others. Depression is more than feeling “blue” or the sadness over everyday matters. Depression symptoms do not disappear easily. There are intense feelings of sadness and worthlessness that interfere with daily life. Genetic,environmental, psychological and biochemical factors are attributed to the variety of causes.

Eight percent of Canadians will experience a major depression in their lifetime (Canadian Mental Health Association (ND). This does not count the people who will experience bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders and other mental disorders that may lead to depression.It is more common in women and typically begins sometime between ages 15 and 30.

Forms of Depression

There are several different forms of depressive disorders than an individual can suffer:

• Major Depression or Major Depressive Disorder
  • Affects everyday functions that may disable a person
  • May be experienced once only but often occurs multiple times
• Dysthymic Disorder or Dysthymia
  • Chronic symptoms (lasting for more than two years)
  • Not disabling a person but may prevent normal functioning
  • May experience one or more episodes of major depression during their lifetime
• Minor Depression
  • Symptoms may last for two weeks or more but not severe enough to meet full criteria for major depression
  • Forms of Minor Depression:
    • Psychotic depression: severe depression accompanied by a form of psychosis (e.g. having delusions or hallucinations)
    • Postpartum depression: occurs in mothers who have recently given birth due to hormonal and physical changes in the body
    • Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): onset of depression occurs during the winter months, when there is less natural sunlight
• Bipolar Disorder or Manic-depressive Illness
  • Cycling mood changes from extreme highs to extreme lows

Causes of Depression

                A combination of genetic, environmental, psychological and biochemical factors lead to depression. The most common causes of depression include:

• Death of a loved one
• Losing a job or unemployment
• Breaking up or divorce
• Discrimination
• Bullying
• Victims of physical, emotional or sexual abuse
• Certain medications such as for hypertension, cancer, seizure, severe pain, etc.
• Alcohol and drug abuse

Signs and Symptoms of Depression

Signs and symptoms may slightly vary in children, teenager, men and women but the commonly present symptoms of depression are the following:

• A constant sadness or feeling empty
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies or activities
• Energy loss and fatigue
• Rapid change in weight – weight gain or weight loss – due to loss of appetite or overeating
• Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
• Wanting to stay in bed the whole day
• Hopelessness or pessimism
• Feeling of worthlessness and guilt
• Irritability and restlessness
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
• Suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts

Treatment for Depression

Depression

Depression cannot be treated with first aid, but there are cases where the first aider has to respond to a victim, or even a friend, with depression. Join in First Aid Courses to learn how to manage individuals with depression. The following precautionary steps and treatment are usually advised in individuals with depression:

• How to approach someone who may be experiencing depression:
  • It may be better to wait for the person to open up. If they do not initiate a conversation, say something at an appropriate place and suitable time for both to talk.
  • Express your concern and explain that you are willing to help. Encourage the person to talk to you.If they are not comfortable to talk to you, suggest getting professional help.
  • Form a strong support system
  • Do not be hostile or sarcastic.
• Medications may be prescribed for depression:
  • Antidepressants
  • Tricyclics
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• Psychotherapy may sometimes be used to treat depression.

Source:

Depression. (ND). National Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved September 29, 2013, from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml

Fast Facts about Mental Illness. (ND). Canadian Mental Health Association. Retrieved September 29, 2013, from http://www.cmha.ca/media/fast-facts-about-mental-illness/#.UkfUtdJmiSp

The post First Aid Management: Depression appeared first on Lethbridge First Aid.

Suicidal Thoughts

Suicidal thoughts are troubling thoughts that involve killing oneself. Suicidal thoughts are usually due to feelings of hopelessness in one’s life often from stressful life situations, which may be extra disturbing if accompanies by mental illnesses, depression, alcohol or substance abuse, or suicidal plans. When one or a friend has suicidal thoughts, call National Suicide Prevention Lifeline as soon as possible. The number is 1-800-273-TALK (8255). It is necessary to learn of the warning signs of suicidal thoughts and suicide, as one can save a life.

Doctors classify suicidal thoughts as either active or passive. Active suicidal thoughts involve a present desire and plan to die. On the other hand, suicidal thoughts can be passive when they involve a desire to die but has not made plans on how to take own life. It is common for people to have passive suicidal thoughts at one point in their lives. People with history of suicidal thoughts or attempts are likely to have suicidal thoughts. Suicidal thoughts are also called suicidal ideation.

According to Statistics Canada (2012), 3,890 were recorded to have committed suicide in 2009, as slight increase from the 3,705 the previous year. There has been a small increase, percentage-wise, in the number of people committing suicide from 2006-2009. However, statistics may be inaccurate as suicide is sometimes difficult to classify. Men are more likely to take their lives as compared to women.

Causes of Suicidal Thoughts

Suicidal thoughts often stem from feelings of hopelessness in one’s life. Common causes of suicidal thoughts include:

• Depression
• Sudden, unanticipatedand overwhelming change in life, usually negative
• Mental disorders such as bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, etc.
• Certain anxiety disorders such as, posttraumatic stress disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder, among others
• Use of illegal drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, etc.
• Alcohol and drug abuse
• Sleep deprivation

Signs and Symptoms of Suicidal Thoughts

Suicide often might feel like the only solution to a person’s pain and troubles. In some cases, a person may not even show signs and symptoms of suicidal thoughts. One must be wary for the following warning signs that may help determine when a person might be having suicidal thoughts:

• Talking about suicide
• Hopelessness or helplessness
• Mood swings that may be in extremes (from very happy to deeply discouraged the next day)
• Very down and depressed and incapable of feeling happy
• Wanting to be alone and withdrawing from social contact
• Personality changes
• Sleep disturbances – inability to fall asleep or inability to remain asleep
• Sleeping for prolonged periods of time
• Rapid weight gain or weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Work or school performance may be affected
• Increased alcohol or drug intake
• Saying goodbye to persons

First Aid Management for Suicidal Thoughts

Treatment for depression, medical or anxiety disorders will be tailored according to the cause. Medications and professional help will be required. To learn how to manage individuals with suicidal thoughts, enrol in First Aid Courses.The following steps are recommended in cases of suicidal thoughts:

• If one or someone you love has made a suicide attempt and is injured,
  • Call emergency medical services immediately.
  • If there is another person, have them call.
  • In case there is bleeding, follow first aid protocol on bleeding.
  • If no pulse and breathing is detected, initiate CPR.
• If one or someone you love is having suicidal thoughts and is not injured,
  • Call National Suicide Prevention Lifeline as soon as possible. The number is 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
  • Do not leave the person alone if you think your friend is in danger.
  • Avoid illegal drugs and alcohol.
  • Form a strong support system that may involve, family, friends, therapists, coaches and friends from place of worship.
• If one suspects that a friend is having suicidal thoughts,
  • Be first and ask your friend if he/ she is thinking about suicide.
  • Do not judge and remain supportive.
  • Ask if there are any specific plans. Active suicidal thoughts are at greater risk for committing suicide.
  • Do not leave the person alone if you think your friend is in danger.
  • Call National Suicide Prevention Lifeline as soon as possible, when one has suicidal thoughts,the number is 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Source:

Edwards, Roxanne D. (ND).Suicidal Thoughts.WebMD. Retrieved September 29, 2013, from http://www.emedicinehealth.com/suicidal_thoughts/article_em.htm

Smith, Michael W. (2011). Suicidal Thoughts: Helping a Friend.WebMD. Retrieved September 29, 2013, from http://firstaid.webmd.com/suicidal-thoughts-treatment

Statistics Canada.(2012). Suicide and suicide rate, by sex and by age group.Government of Canada. Retrieved September 29, 2013, from http://www.statcan.gc.ca/tables-tableaux/sum-som/l01/cst01/hlth66a-eng.htm

Suicide and suicidal thoughts.(2012). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved September 29, 2013, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/suicide/DS01062

The post First Aid Management: Suicidal Thoughts appeared first on Lethbridge First Aid.