What are common signs of respiratory distress in infants?

Common signs of respiratory distress in infants prominently include retractions and nasal flaring. Retractions occur when the skin between the ribs or above the collarbone is pulled in as the infant struggles to breathe, indicating that they are using accessory muscles due to increased work of breathing. Nasal flaring is the widening of the nostrils, which occurs as a physiological response to help increase air intake and is a clear indication of respiratory distress.

This combination of signs provides critical insight into the infant's respiratory status. In contrast to other signs, such as increased activity level or loud crying, which might suggest comfort or alertness rather than distress, retractions and nasal flaring specifically highlight a compromised respiratory effort. These indicators are essential for healthcare professionals to recognize in order to quickly assess and address potential respiratory issues in infants.