Respiratory distress means difficulty in breathing. There are many causes for this including lung and non-lung problems. The latter is rare. Having a blocked nose usually causes a mild problem and no real distress.
Being mildly breathless can be missed as your child may just be breathing fast or show mild in drawing of muscles around the Collar Bone, Chest Ribs and Upper Stomach Muscles. You may also notice flaring of their nostrils. All this will be more pronounced during play activity or exercise.
As it progresses there would be in drawing at rest. In more severe distress they would be unable to speak few words or cry intermittently only. In very young children and babies, they may not be able to feed and appear very sweaty. Once they start developing bluish lips and becoming restless, because of low oxygen levels, an emergency situation is developing.
The most common cause is a lung infection and the worst form of this would be pneumonia. Young children and babies can get viral bronchiolitis. Another common cause would be asthma. We should always think about a foreign body causing respiratory distress in children.
COVID-19 causes respiratory distress. However, we should be cautious about this as most childhood COVID-19 are asymptomatic. That means children with COVID-19 can be very well and so may spread the virus without realizing it.
Treatment would involve first identifying the cause. If you know your child has asthma, you can first try using the inhaler to relieve their problem. You should seek advice from your doctor if the problem is not getting better with whatever treatment you are giving or if their distress is getting worse.
On the way to the Emergency Department keep your child in a sitting position with the head tilted back to keep the airway open.
What are the signs of respiratory distress in a child?
- Fast Breathing – Difficult to notice. Use Best Judgement. You know your child!
- In Drawing Muscles – Maybe subtle and require observation
- Flaring Nostrils – Especially significant if noticed at rest
- Difficulty to drink milk (in babies)
- Bluish lips – Danger sign
When should parents be concerned about their child's breathing?
- Above signs noticed at rest
- Bluish lips
Is respiratory distress an emergency? Why do we need to go to Accident and Emergency immediately when we notice signs of respiratory distress in a child?
Usually, this problem will creep up on you. Sudden distress is usually a foreign body blocking the air tube.
Seek help early if there is distress. If asthmatic and no relief with medication, then seek help from Accident and Emergency immediately.
How parents can help a child with difficulty breathing?
Aside from inhalers in asthma, there’s very little you can do at home for Respiratory Distress. If you are not sure how to remove a foreign body, like doing the Heimlich manoeuvre then you should seek help.
Is it normal for a child to breathe fast when sick?
Aside from a fever, rapid breathing should be a cause of concern. If you have controlled the fever and still find your child distressed, you should seek help from your physician.
Source: This article is written by Dr Ganesarasa A/L Annarasa, Paediatrics - General of Pantai Hospital Klang (PHK)
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