Question 1

how long can you stop breathing before you become unconscious?

Accepted Answer

A few minutes: Actually, it depends upon many factors. Breath holding is practiced by some who want to set records, but they train, hyperventilate & fill the lungs with 100% oxygen. Even so, oxygen deprivation & carbon dioxide elevations may cause damage or death, so it is not a good idea. For most, maximum voluntary breath holding does not exceed 1 or 2 minutes, or loss of consciousness & death may occur. Mfm.

Question 2

can i stop breathing before unconsciousness after being given propofol for surgery?

Accepted Answer

Not very likely.: Usually unconsciousness occurs well before apnea.

Question 3

i have central sleep apnea and stop breathing when i'm unconscious. what should i make sure an anesthesiologist has in the room to keep me breathing when i'm under sedation?

Accepted Answer

: Let the surgical team know of your sleep apnea.  In the operating room, the anesthesiologist closely follows blood pressure, pulse, and respiration, and is well-equipped to handle any changes in vital signs.

Question 4

if a baby passes out, how can i make sure they are still breathing while unconscious?

Accepted Answer

Chest movement: Look for chest movement from breathing, or place a mirror near your baby's nostrils to see if it fogs from your baby's breath.

Question 5

if someone is unconscious, but breathing, do you need to perform cpr?

Accepted Answer

No: If they have a pulse and are breathing, there is no need for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or chest compressions. Unconscious people can have both, one or none of the above. In the new guidelines for cpr, if you come across someone who is unconscious and not breathing, start doing rapid chest compressions. Trained medical professionals are encouraged to look for a pulse before starting cpr.

Question 6

if the victim is unconscious and has a faint pulse but is breathing what should i do?

Accepted Answer

911: Call 911 immediately.  Then raise their legs to increase venous return.

Question 7

if a person is unconscious won't wake up but it's still breathing and has a pulse 60 out of 100 seconds, breathing is shallow but takes a deep breath once every 5 to 6 seconds. do you give cpr?

Accepted Answer

: Your described situation is best handled by EMTs, and an experienced ambulance crew to transport to a medical facility as the best choice.  CPR is indicated in the presence of apnea or pulselessness, but may also be useful in some cardiac arrhythmias.  It is vital to have thorough training to perform CPR properly.

Question 8

when caring for an unconscious person, will the head tilt/chin lift automatically cause their mouth to open, or do you have to open their mouth separately to prepare for rescue breathing?

Accepted Answer

: Rather than dealing with a situation that can be complex, by providing an isolated simple answer, would suggest learning First Aid techniques.  Contact your local Red Cross chapter and enroll in one of their classes.  This is usually free and provides a host of valuable techniques.

Question 9

mom found unconscious this morning from fall (unconscious 8 hrs later). trouble breathing . docs giving antibiotics 2 try 2 help. what does that mean?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Unconsciousness after a fall requires immediate attention and brain imaging to rule out subdual hematoma or other etiologies. Patients who loose consciousness may aspirate and develop pneumonia that requires antibiotics.

Question 10

every morning i wake up with gas discomfort, i was told i'm breathing through mouth while sleeping, how can i change this unconscious habbit?

Accepted Answer

Sleep study: You may benefit from a sleep study if your nocturnal mouth open breathing is associated with snoring.  I doubt that your symptoms of feeling bloated are a direct consequence of this habit since you don't keep your mouth open all night long. More questions: www.healthtap.com/drsaghafi   Virtual appointment Key Code: PDXFNR

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

How long can you stop breathing before you become unconscious

A member asked:

How long can you stop breathing before you become unconscious?

A member asked:

Can i stop breathing before unconsciousness after being given propofol for surgery?

A member asked:

I have central sleep apnea and stop breathing when i'm unconscious. what should i make sure an anesthesiologist has in the room to keep me breathing when i'm under sedation?

A member asked:

If a baby passes out, how can i make sure they are still breathing while unconscious?

A member asked:

If someone is unconscious, but breathing, do you need to perform cpr?

A member asked:

If the victim is unconscious and has a faint pulse but is breathing what should i do?

A member asked:

If a person is unconscious won't wake up but it's still breathing and has a pulse 60 out of 100 seconds, breathing is shallow but takes a deep breath once every 5 to 6 seconds. do you give cpr?

A member asked:

When caring for an unconscious person, will the head tilt/chin lift automatically cause their mouth to open, or do you have to open their mouth separately to prepare for rescue breathing?

A member asked:

Mom found unconscious this morning from fall (unconscious 8 hrs later). trouble breathing . docs giving antibiotics 2 try 2 help. what does that mean?

A member asked:

Every morning i wake up with gas discomfort, i was told i'm breathing through mouth while sleeping, how can i change this unconscious habbit?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?