⚠️ MedDeck is an educational and reference tool for seafarers. It does not replace professional medical advice, TMAS, a company doctor, or emergency services. In an emergency, seek appropriate medical assistance and follow your vessel's procedures.
🚨 Need urgent help?
What should I do first?SYM-002
Difficulty breathing
Breathing difficulty can range from mild to serious — know what to check and when to escalate.
What should I do now?
- Help the person rest in a comfortable supported position
- Reduce immediate hazards and obtain help if symptoms are significant
- Monitor closely for deterioration
- Use only equipment or medicines you are trained and authorized to use
What is this symptom?
- Difficulty breathing can mean breathlessness, tightness, noisy breathing, or feeling unable to get enough air
- It may develop quickly or over time
What might be associated with it?
- Many different conditions can cause breathing difficulty
- Possible associations include exertion, anxiety, infection, allergy, heart or lung problems, or environmental exposure
- Severity and context matter more than the symptom label alone
What should I check?
- How much effort is required to breathe and whether speech is affected
- Responsiveness and colour of lips or skin if visible
- Onset — sudden versus gradual
- Other symptoms such as chest discomfort, swelling, or rash
What can make it urgent?
- Severe or rapidly worsening breathlessness
- Inability to speak in full sentences or visible distress
- Reduced responsiveness or abnormal breathing
- If an emergency may be present, use 🚨 WHAT SHOULD I DO FIRST? — Difficulty breathing (EM-003)
When should I seek medical assistance?
- Seek appropriate medical assistance if symptoms are severe, worsening, persistent, associated with concerning signs, or if you are unsure about the person's condition
- Contact your vessel's designated medical assistance/TMAS service according to vessel procedures
- Seek prompt assistance when breathing difficulty is serious or worsening
What information should I prepare for medical assistance?
- When symptoms started and whether they came suddenly or gradually
- Whether symptoms are improving or worsening
- Other symptoms present at the same time
- Relevant injury, exposure, heat, cold, or motion if applicable
- Fluid intake, rest, and any medicines already taken if known
- Relevant medical history volunteered by the person
Related emergency pathways
Related medical knowledge
Related learning
Important safety note
- This page orients you to a symptom — it does not confirm a specific medical condition
- Many different conditions can cause the same symptom; professional assessment may be needed
⚠️ MedDeck is an educational and reference tool for seafarers. It does not replace professional medical advice, TMAS, a company doctor, or emergency services. In an emergency, seek appropriate medical assistance and follow your vessel's procedures.
MEDDECK
Before you continue
⚠️ MedDeck is an educational and reference tool for seafarers. It does not replace professional medical advice, TMAS, a company doctor, or emergency services. In an emergency, seek appropriate medical assistance and follow your vessel's procedures.