It is ESSENTIAL to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of respiratory distress in children. There are some signs that differentiate from an adult in respiratory distress. Also, a child may not be able to communicate and express that they are in respiratory distress as well as an adult. Sometimes, signs could be missed leading to a preventable disorder or death.
Signs and symptoms of respiratory distress in pediatrics:
- Nasal flaring
- Chest wall and sternal retractions
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Cyanosis
- Cool and moist skin
- Increased respiratory rate
- Increased heart rate
- Grunting
- Stridor
- Wheezing
Grunting
Often in response to pain, grunting may indicate pulmonary edema.
Stridor
Upper airway may indicate epiglottitis laryngospasm.
Wheezing
Lower airway may indicate asthma aspiration of foreign body.
