What Does RA Stand for in Breathing?

Although some breathing problems are easily treated or prevented with lifestyle changes or medication, some breathing problems such as RA (respiratory arrest) are a life-threatening emergency. Understanding the characteristics of respiratory arrest can help prevent serious injuries and death.

Significance

• RA, or respiratory arrest, is a life-threatening condition that occurs when a person has stopped breathing for several minutes.

Types

• People might develop temporary respiratory arrest such as with sleep apnea; prolonged types of respiratory arrest including airway obstruction and drug overdose; and muscular or neurological disorders that interfere with the mechanics of breathing.

Features

• People suffering from respiratory arrest usually develop a blue appearance to the skin, become limp, lose consciousness and might have seizures.

Identification

• Temporary respiratory arrest is often identified by sleep partners or by a sleep study on a patient conducted by a neurologist. Prolonged respiratory arrest is often identified by bystanders who see the person go limp; official diagnosis is made by a physician.

Causes

• In babies and children, respiratory arrest usually results from choking, infections such as meningitis or pneumonia, or complications from premature birth. Respiratory arrest in adults results from conditions including lung diseases, stroke and neurological disorders, heart disorders, head injuries and drug overdose.

Potential

• Untreated resipratory arrest might lead to cardiac arrest, as well as damage to the brain and internal organs, or death.