02/01/2026
Signs of Respiratory Distress
📌 People having trouble breathing often show signs of having to work harder to breathe or of not getting enough oxygen, indicating respiratory distress.
Below is a list of signs that may indicate a person is working harder to breathe and may not be getting enough oxygen.
👉 Breathing rate. An increase in the number of breaths per minute may mean that a person is having trouble breathing or not getting enough oxygen.
👉 Color changes. A bluish color seen around the mouth, on the inside of the lips, or on the fingernails may happen when a person is not getting as much oxygen as needed. The color of the skin may also appear pale or gray.
👉 Grunting. A grunting sound can be heard each time the person exhales. This grunting is the body's way of trying to keep air in the lungs so they will stay open.
👉 Nose flaring. The openings of the nose spreading open while breathing may mean that a person is having to work harder to breathe.
👉 Retractions. The chest appears to sink in just below the neck or under the breastbone with each breath or both. This is one way of trying to bring more air into the lungs, and can also be seen under the rib cage or even in the muscles between the ribs.
👉 Sweating. There may be increased sweat on the head, but the skin does not feel warm to the touch. More often, the skin may feel cool or clammy. This may happen when the breathing rate is very fast.
👉 Wheezing. A tight, whistling or musical sound heard with each breath can mean that the air passages may be smaller (tighter), making it harder to breathe.
👉 Body position. A person may spontaneously lean forward while sitting to help take deeper breaths. This is a warning sign that he or she is about to collapse.
✨ If you have the above symptoms, please seek medical care immediately.
Please visit the below link to read more:
📌 https://www.compassmedical.com.my/treatments/
💬 Please get in touch with us below for more info
📞 Call 012 655 1391
📱 WhatsApp us https://wa.me60126551391text=CompassMedical
💻 Website https://www.compassmedical.com.my
* This is for informational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a specialist.
