“What does respiratory distress look like?” SHARE this video if you find it helpful. You’ve probably heard healthcare providers tell you to watch for signs of respiratory distress when your child is sick—but figuring out exactly what to look for can feel overwhelming! Here are some key signs to monitor: ✅ Increased work of breathing: Look for retractions (pulling under the ribs, between the ribs, below the sternum, or above the collarbone), nasal flaring (like in this reel), or head bobbing with each breath. ✅ Skin color changes: A bluish tint around the lips or fingertips can signal low oxygen levels—this is an emergency! Call 911 or seek immediate medical attention. ✅ Behavioral changes: Lethargy or extreme irritability alongside breathing struggles is a red flag. ✅ Rapid breathing: If your child’s breathing is significantly faster than usual, it’s time to act. Seeing your child struggle to breathe is scary—no parent wants to face that—but staying calm can help your child feel reassured as you seek the care they need. 💙👩🏽‍⚕️ Want to dive deeper? On my YouTube channel, I show real-life examples of respiratory distress (with parental permission), teach you how to count a respiratory rate, and explain what’s normal versus abnormal. DM me or comment “BREATHING YOUTUBE” below to get the episode! Has your child ever experienced respiratory distress? Let me know what helped them—and thank you to the incredible parents who shared their children’s clips to help others recognize these signs. ❤️

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