Five indicators of a significant respiratory distress?

Answer 1

Respiratory distress is a clinical term to describe a patient who is having difficulties breathing, as characterised by increased effort. It can result from many different conditions in the respiratory system, including Asthma, bronchiolitis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, pneumonia and epiglottitis. Respiratory distress can lead to respiratory failure. The clinical signs of respiratory distress will vary slightly with the age of the patient.

Five signs of respiratory distress which may be present are:

1. Fast respiratory rate. Although note that if the patient is going into respiratory failure, it may be slow.

2. Increased work of breathing; which may be seen as chest retractions, nasal flaring and grunting in children. The adult chest is not as flexible and so retractions are not as obvious and adults do not usually grunt. Intercostal recessions may be seen.

3. Cyanosis (blue colour). Although note that this occurs in rather severe respiratory distress and will not always be seen in young children.

4. Unusual posturing. Patient may sit in tripod position (leaning forwards on outstretched arms) and with jaw thrust forwards, to maximise air entry.

5. Tachycardia (fast heart rate); although bradycardia can occur in respiratory failure.

In addition, there may be a change in mental state due to hypoxemia (lack of oxygen in blood), leading to irritability in children and confusion in adults.