Respiratory distress in children is one of the most important pediatric illnesses to understand, recognize, and take appropriate action quickly. When a child’s breathing is normal, their chest will rise and fall without difficulty. For a child with respiratory distress, the chest muscle works extensively to move air in and out of the lungs. Respiratory distress is common in children and most of the time they get well on their own. You know your child better than anyone and how they behave when they are normal, so if you sense anything isn't right, you should seek immediate medical help. It's important to learn the signs of respiratory distress to identify and know how to respond in the best way.

If your child is having difficulty breathing, they would often show these signs indicating respiratory distress:

Wheezing

One of the most typical signs of respiratory distress is wheezing. The lungs generate a high-pitched melodic sound when they are contracted and force air through constricted airways. Although wheezing is frequently linked to asthma, children of all ages might wheeze as a result of a wide range of respiratory conditions. “Wheezing can be compared to attempting to breathe through a straw. If your child has nasal congestion, she might breathe through her mouth to get around the obstruction. When they are wheezing, there is no way for them to get around the windpipes because they are the primary route for air exchange. The effect will be that your child won't be able to speak and might cough frequently,” says Dr. Medhat, the best pediatric doctor in Dubai. It's crucial to get your child medical help if they are wheezing. Pay attention to any sounds made during breathing, such as coughing, wheezing, or the "Ugh" sound.

Retractions

The diaphragm, intercostal muscles (the muscles between ribs), abdominal muscles, and muscles around the neck and collarbone are among the muscles that are involved in breathing. Together, these muscles support the lungs' ability to expand and contract, bringing air in and out of the lungs. It happens naturally when your child is breathing normally. When your child's chest wall muscles work hard to assist them in breathing, it’s a sign of retractions. Pay attention to whether the chest retracts with each breath, particularly in the area surrounding the collarbone and the ribs.

Grunting

Grunting can be heard when your child exhales. Some infants groan sometimes while they sleep, but persistent groaning accompanied by quick, shallow breathing indicates severe respiratory distress. Call your pediatrician in Dubai immediately if you notice this pattern.

Nasal Flaring

When breathing, the nostrils open wider, causing nasal flaring. It usually occurs in infants and young children and is a symptom of respiratory difficulties. Check to see if your child’s nostrils flare out when they are breathing.

Change in colour

Children in respiratory distress look pale, greyish, or dusky. Even a child's lips and mouth may have a blue tint, and their fingernails may be light or blue. Blue discoloration indicates an emergency and is a warning that your child isn't getting enough oxygen. Look closely at the nail beds, lips, eyes, hands, and feet. You should also seek immediate medical attention if your child develops any of these signs or symptoms.

Alterations in alertness

Children who are experiencing respiratory distress can occasionally lose energy and vigour very fast. Particularly with young children, the body can only continue to work in overdrive for so long before becoming weary. Your child's excessive tiredness could be a sign of low oxygen levels and could also point to respiratory exhaustion.

Body positions 

Your child can thrust their head backward while having trouble breathing due to low oxygen levels (especially if lying down). Or, while seated, they might lean forward. These positions are automatically used by children as a final resort to help their respiration.

Injury

Respiratory distress can also result from a severe injury to the lungs or airways, especially if it occurs without any obvious external source of damage. “If your child is having trouble breathing, pain, or change in the breathing pattern followed by an injury, you must seek immediate medical care,” says Dr. Medhat.

Some kids with respiratory distress may have more than one cause going on at once, meaning multiple conditions could be contributing to symptoms. In these cases, it's important for parents to talk to their Pediatrician about how best to treat their child's condition

When to contact your emergency Pediatrician

- Heart rate: The heart rate may be high and irregular.  
- Breathing rate: The child may have trouble breathing, especially when crying or when feeding or sleeping. 
- Oxygen levels: If there is an increase in your child's oxygen saturation level (the amount of oxygen in the blood)
- Physical symptoms: The child may also have trouble maintaining a normal body temperature. Or bluish color develops on the lips, nail beds, or skin. 

Don't wait to seek care. If you're concerned that your child is having trouble breathing or may have respiratory distress, call your Pediatrician immediately or visit the nearest emergency room. The sooner you act, the better chance they will be able to recover.

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