Last Updated on: September 2, 2024
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Agonal breathing can be confusing and scary. It might look like someone is trying hard to breathe but not getting enough air. People have witnessed agonal breathing in 40% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. Unlike normal breathing, which is smooth and regular, agonal breathing is erratic and can sound like the person is gasping, snorting, or struggling to breathe. It is a sign that something is wrong in the body, and it is very alarming to witness.
Understanding what agonal breathing is and how to respond can make a huge difference. Let’s break it down so you know what to do if you ever encounter this situation.
Agonal breathing is irregular, gasping breaths that occur in severe medical emergencies, often just before death. It is characterized by gasping, labored breaths that are ineffectual in delivering adequate oxygen into the body. This breathing occurs when the heart has stopped or is failing to effectively pump blood, resulting in a lack of oxygen in the blood. If not treated immediately, this can quickly lead to more severe issues, such as brain damage or death. When medical professionals hear agonal breathing, they know it’s an emergency that requires urgent care.
This affects every organ, especially the brain. Without oxygen, brain cells start to die, leading to brain damage. Other organs also begin to fail, which can quickly lead to death.
Cardiac arrest is when the heart suddenly stops beating, cutting off blood flow and oxygen to the brain and other vital organs. Agonal breathing often occurs during cardiac arrest as the brain tries to force the body to breathe despite the heart not pumping effectively. This type of breathing is a sign that the person needs immediate help, usually in the form of CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) to restart the heart and restore normal breathing.
Now that we know what is agonal breathing, let us look at the the main signs and symptoms one should look out for:
Agonal breathing can last from a few minutes to several minutes. It does not continue for a long time because it indicates the body is in severe distress. Without immediate medical help, agonal breathing often leads to death because the body is not getting enough oxygen.
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Now that we know what does agonal breathing sound like, let us see how it is different from other breathing types. It is unique because of its irregular and noisy nature, but normal breathing is smooth and rhythmic, even if fast or slow. Other distressed breathing, such as when someone is out of breath, still follows a regular pattern. In contrast, agonal breathing is erratic and often sounds like gasping or snorting.
The main differences that are noticed between agonal breathing and gasping are:
| Agonal Breathing | Normal Gasping |
| Agonal breathing can mostly occur due to cardiac arrest or severe medical emergency. | Choking, fear, or surprise can be reasons for normal gasping. |
| It requires immediate medical attention and CPR. | It generally does not require medical intervention. |
| It is more of a snorting-like agonal breathing sound | It is a quick, sharp intake of breath. |
| It can persist for several minutes. | It usually lasts for a few seconds. |
| Agonal breaths are very irregular, with pauses in between two breaths. | It is brief and rapid and usually resolves quickly. |
The death rattle occurs because the person cannot clear secretions from their throat, causing a rattling sound. Agonal breathing is more about the body’s struggle to get air and often sounds like gasping or snorting, while the death rattle is a gurgling noise from fluid in the throat.
Agonal respiration occurs when the brain is severely deprived of oxygen. This can be due to:
For someone who is experiencing agonal respiration, giving CPR can be a lifesaver. Here’s how it helps:
Performing CPR on someone with agonal breathing involves a few crucial steps:
Agonal respiration can lead to brain damage and death very quickly if not addressed immediately. Responding quickly by calling for emergency help and starting CPR can make a huge difference in the person’s chances of survival. Such a quick response might save lives by returning normal heartbeats and oxygen to the brain. A delay might lead to brain damage or death in a few minutes.
Prompt actions, such as calling the emergency services for help, starting CPR, and using an automated external defibrillator, support blood circulation and the oxygenation of the patient’s vital organs until adequate medical help reaches him.
Early intervention in medical emergencies can prevent agonal breathing. Some of the common examples are as follows:
Being prepared to respond to agonal breathing involves training in CPR and understanding emergency response. Many organizations offer CPR training courses that teach you how to perform chest compressions and rescue breaths. These skills can be invaluable in saving someone’s life during an emergency.
Agonal breathing can occur in various situations, and recognizing it in different scenarios is crucial:
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) can be critical in managing agonal breathing caused by cardiac arrest. These devices can deliver a shock to the heart to try to restore a normal rhythm. Here’s how they work:
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Witnessing agonal breathing can be a traumatic experience. It’s important to acknowledge the psychological impact it can have on bystanders and responders. Providing support and debriefing after such an event can help manage stress and anxiety related to the experience.
After witnessing or responding to an emergency involving agonal breathing, it’s important to debrief and seek support:
Recognizing agonal breathing is crucial in a medical emergency. It’s a sign that the body is in severe distress, often due to cardiac arrest. Knowing the signs and how to respond, especially with CPR and AEDs, can make a significant difference in saving a life.
If you ever encounter someone with agonal breathing, call for emergency help immediately and start CPR if you’re trained to do so. Your quick action can give them the best chance of survival.
