What Are The Signs Of Respiratory Distress in Children

Respiratory distress is a common reason for emergency room visits in children and neonates. Children under 4 are especially vulnerable to respiratory problems. First responders typically see an uptick in respiratory issues among children during cold and flu season. A prompt response can save lives; in the 2017-2018 flu season alone, 172 children died from respiratory and other flu complications.

 

A flu shot can greatly reduce the risk, particularly in vulnerable children. First responders should ensure they are fully vaccinated. Your agency may also want to conduct public outreach campaigns urging people to get a flu shot. When treating children with suspected respiratory distress, here are the telltale signs.

 

Respiratory Rate

A sustained increase in respiratory rate, particularly in a child who has not recently exerted themselves, suggests the child is not getting sufficient oxygen. Normal respiratory rates decline with age, and are as follows:

  • 0-12 months: 30-60 breaths per minute

  • 1-3 years: 24-40 breaths per minute

  • 4-5 years: 22-34 breaths per minute

  • 6-12 years: 18-30 breaths per minute

  • 13-18 years: 12-16 breaths per minute

Everything you need to know to help your institution make the right portable  suction purchase >

 

Increased Heart Rate

A sustained elevation in pulse, particularly if accompanied by other signs of respiratory distress, is a red flag. Pulse declines with age, and normal ranges are as follows:

  • Age 0-1 month: 70-190 bpm

  • 1-11 months: 80-160 bpm

  • 1-2 years: 80-130 bpm

  • 3-4 years: 80-120 bpm

  • 5-6 years: 75-115 bpm

  • 7-9 years: 70-110 bpm

 

Retractions

Retractions indicate that the body is straining to get enough oxygen. Newborns and very young children are particularly likely to display retractions in response to respiratory distress. During a retraction, the chest caves in around the ribs. See a video here.

 

Nostril Flaring

Nostril flaring is another sign that the child’s body is working overtime to take in more oxygen. You may notice visible flaring of the nose, often accompanied by retractions. Nostril flaring in newborns is particularly problematic, since newborns are natural nose breathers with very limited ability to breathe through their mouths.

 

Color Changes

Oxygen deprivation often causes noticeable color changes. You may notice blue or white hues on the mouth or lips, inside the mouth, or in the nail beds. The skin may also appear white, gray, or pale.

 

Noisy Breathing

Noisy breathing is often a sign that the child is struggling to get air. Newborns and young infants may make grunting sounds when they inhale. Older children may wheeze, grunt, or produce wet-sounding noises from the throat or lungs.

 

Neck Muscle Use When Breathing

Like retractions, the use of neck muscles when breathing indicates that the body is working harder than usual to take in sufficient oxygen. If you notice that the neck muscles are tensing, retracting, or changing color, the child may be in respiratory distress.

 

Low SP02 Values

Low SP02 is a clear signal of respiratory distress in children, particularly when coupled with other signs of respiratory issues. If the child has a cold or flu, first responders should assume that the infection is the cause of respiratory distress. Children with asthma and allergies may also experience respiratory distress. Choking and aspiration can also lead to respiratory issues, so it’s important to evaluate the child and ask the parent about their recent medical history.

 

The right equipment can save children’s lives. First responders should have a variety of child-sized respiratory equipment on hand, including catheters and tubing for suction machines. Portable suction is equally important, since it allows the first responder to go to the child rather than attempting to move a child who is already in distress. For help choosing a suction machine for your patient population, download our free guide, The Ultimate Guide to Purchasing a Portable Emergency Suction Device.


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