The incident occurred at Quang Tri Provincial General Hospital on 15/9. According to doctors, the patient arrived alone, without any family members. He suddenly went into cardiac arrest just as he lay down on the bed for a check-up.
Recognizing the critical situation, the medical team, consisting of three doctors and four nurses, immediately performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation. After about five minutes of chest compressions, intubation, and administering medication, the patient's heartbeat returned. He was put on a ventilator and received intensive care.
Four hours later, the patient regained consciousness, his blood pressure stabilized, and he recovered from respiratory failure. After contacting his family, doctors learned that the patient had a history of asthma. He is now breathing on his own, engaging in normal activities, and remains under observation.
Doctor Le Phuoc Duc, head of the Emergency Department, said this case highlights how quickly asthma attacks can become life-threatening without prompt intervention. He advised people with asthma to manage their condition proactively, always carry an inhaler, attend regular check-ups, and include emergency contact information on their identification for easy access by medical professionals.
"Every asthma attack is not just a breathing difficulty, it can be a 'race against death'," Dr. Duc emphasized.
The period from September to November is a time of seasonal change, marked by sudden temperature fluctuations, high humidity, increased pollen, mold, fine dust, viruses, and bacteria. These conditions can easily irritate the respiratory tract, especially in individuals with a history of asthma, chronic pneumonia, or COPD. A dangerous asthma attack can be identified by signs such as rapidly increasing shortness of breath, wheezing, inability to lie down, persistent coughing, chest tightness, blue lips, inability to speak a full sentence, drowsiness, sweating, or signs of fainting. If any of these signs occur, individuals should immediately call 115 or go to the nearest medical facility.
Thuy Quynh
