Respiratory Distress
What is Respiratory Distress?
Respiratory distress is the term used to describe the signs and symptoms when our child is finding it difficult to breath. When children or adults become unwell their breathing rate and effort is one of the first signs to indicate that we are unwell. If breathing is ineffective, it means that oxygen is not moving effectively around the body.
Signs and Symptoms of Respiratory Distress:
- Pale or bluish skin of the lips, mouth, nail beds, skin, hands, and feet- this indicates poor oxygen saturation in our body.
- Increased breathing Rate -This is the way in which our child tries to improve oxygenation in their body.
- Nasel flaring (when the nostrils become larger when breathing in)- This is to help increase the about of oxygen inhaled with each breath and improve oxygenation.
- Rib Retractions (where the lungs pull in when breathing. Seen around the collar bones and between the ribs)- this too is to help increase the amount of oxygen that moves into the lungs during each breath.
- Noisy breathing- wheeze, stridor and grunting. – Stridor is where there is a partial obstruction of the upper airway making it difficult for air to move in and out of the lungs. Wheeze is when the small airways of the lungs have become obstructed or narrowed due to inflammation, mucus, and secretions. Grunting helps to splint your childs lungs open and increase the amount of oxygen that can move in and out of their lungs.
- Clammy skin- is a result of using a lot of energy to breath. Our babies body becomes sweaty to help regulate its normal temperature.
- Mood change- floppy, drowsy- The body can only compensate and work hard for so long. Once the child begins to tire due to the high energy expended the baby will start to fatigue.
What to Do?
See your local GP if your child is:
- Showing any signs of respiratory distress
- Having difficulty feeding due to a blocked nose.
- Has a cough that is getting worse and/or causing your child discomfort.
- Is unwell and not improving and/or you are concerned about them.
Call an ambulance if your child is pale, floppy, turning blue, having difficulty breathing or breathing extremely fast. This is a medical emergency.
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