8 Visual Signs Of Paediatric Respiratory Distress

There are 8 Visual Signs Of Paediatric Respiratory Distress. Recognising respiratory distress in children can be challenging, especially in prehospital or emergency settings. Prompt identification and intervention are critical to preventing serious complications. Here are eight key visual signs of paediatric respiratory distress to look out for:

Head Bobbing

Head bobbing occurs when the child’s head moves forward and down during inspiration due to the use of neck muscles to assist breathing. This sign is most commonly observed in infants.

Nasal Flaring

Nasal flaring occurs when the nostrils widen with each breath. This is a sign that the child is struggling to draw in enough air and is compensating for increased respiratory effort.

Suprasternal Recession

Suprasternal recession occurs when the skin and soft tissues above the sternum are drawn inwards with each breath. This is a sign that the child is experiencing difficulty breathing and is using additional effort to overcome increased airway resistance or reduced lung compliance.

Tracheal Tug

Tracheal tug refers to the downward movement of the trachea with each breath, observed at the base of the neck. This is a sign that the child is experiencing significant respiratory distress, often caused by airway obstruction or increased work of breathing, as the accessory muscles are recruited to help draw air into the lungs.

Subcostal Recession

Subcostal recession occurs when the skin and tissues below the ribcage are drawn in with each breath. This is a sign that the child is struggling to breathe and is using additional effort to overcome increased airway resistance or lung compliance issues, indicating respiratory distress.

Intercostal Recession

Intercostal recession occurs when the skin between the ribs is pulled inwards with each breath. This indicates increased respiratory effort as the child attempts to compensate for airway obstruction or reduced lung compliance, highlighting signs of respiratory distress.

Abdominal Breathing

Abdominal breathing occurs when the abdomen moves excessively with each breath, often as a result of increased reliance on the diaphragm for breathing. This may indicate respiratory distress, particularly when the chest movement is reduced or absent, suggesting difficulty with effective ventilation or compensatory mechanisms in response to airway or lung issues.

Cyanosis

Cyanosis refers to a bluish discolouration of the skin, mucous membranes, or nail beds, caused by an insufficient level of oxygen in the blood. This can be a sign of significant respiratory or circulatory compromise, indicating hypoxaemia, and is a late indicator of respiratory distress that requires urgent medical intervention.