What is respiratory distress?
If your child is having difficulty breathing, she may show signs of being in danger of respiratory distress. It is important to learn these signs to know how to respond appropriately.
Here is a list of some of the signs that could indicate that your child may be in danger of respiratory distress:
- Increased breathing rate — If your child’s breathing rate increases, this may indicate that she is having trouble breathing or not getting enough oxygen.
- Color changes — A bluish color around your child’s mouth, on the inside of her lips, or on her fingernails may occur when she is not getting enough oxygen. Her skin may also appear pale or gray.
- Grunting — You may hear a grunting sound each time your child exhales. The grunting is her body's way of trying to keep air in the lungs so they will stay open.
- Nose — If your child’s nostrils spread open while she breathes, she may be having to work harder to breathe.
- Retractions — Your child’s chest will appear to sink in just below the neck or under her breastbone with each breath. This is another way of trying to bring more air into her lungs.
- Sweating — There may be an increase of sweat on your child’s head, but without her skin feeling warm to the touch. More often, his skin will feel cool or clammy. This may happen when her breathing rate is very fast.
- Wheezing — If you hear a tight, whistling, or musical sound each time your child breathes, this may indicate that the air passages are smaller, which makes it harder to breathe.
Respiratory Distress | Programs & Services
Programs
Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Program
Program
The Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Program uses a compassionate, family-centered approach to diagnose and treat neurodevelopmental disorders.
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Center
Program
The Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Center is dedicated to treating and managing long-term follow-up care for children born with congenital diaphragmatic hernias.
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Program
Program
The Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Program provides ECMO services to critically ill children in New England and beyond.
Learn more about Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Program
Injury Prevention Program
Program
The Injury Prevention Program is dedicated to dramatically decreasing the number of preventable injuries through research and public education.
Division of Medical Critical Care
Program
The Division of Medical Critical Care cares primarily for critically ill children who have medical diagnoses, as well as children requiring peri- and post-operative care.
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
Program
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is a 30-bed referral center for critically ill infants requiring complex medical and surgical care.
Departments
Critical Care Medicine
Department
The Division of Critical Care Medicine (CCM) has internationally recognized clinical, training, and research programs.
Newborn Medicine
Department
The Division of Newborn Medicine specializes in treating babies with a wide range of congenital and acquired conditions.
Pulmonary Medicine
Department
The Division of Pulmonary Medicine serves children with acute and chronic respiratory conditions.
