Respiratory depression: Causes, symptoms, and treatment
Respiratory depression: Causes, symptoms, and treatment Respiratory depression means that a person's rate and depth of breathing are lower than normal. This results in low oxygen levels and high carbon dioxide levels in the blood. Without treatment, the condition can cause life-threatening complications, including coma and death. Anything that depresses the central nervous system (the brain) can cause respiratory DEPRESSION since the brain controls a person's respiratory drive. In minor cases, symptoms may be unnoticeable. Other symptoms in most cases include slow and shallow breathing. Oxygen therapy and respiration machines may be used in treatment, depending on the severity of each case. Fast facts on respiratory depression: · Sedative medication, narcotic pain medications, and substances that depress brain function, such as alcohol and certain illegal drugs, are known to cause or increase the risk. · ...