When looking at the chest of a person with retractions, they may have a skeletal appearance.
Often it will appear that the skin is being pulled in when breathing in these areas as well.
The more pronounced it is, the more difficulty the person could be having getting adequate oxygen.
Blend Images / Jose Luis Pelaez Inc / Getty Images
Retracting can occur in children even if they dont appear to be having trouble with their breathing.
If you or your child has asthma, you are probably familiar with retracting and what it looks like.
If you notice it, follow your asthma action plan.
Its important to know what to watch for, even if your child has no history of breathing problems.
If you are in doubt about what you are seeing, seek medical attention to be safe.
Ignoring signs that indicate a person is having a hard time breathing could be life-threatening.
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Intercostal retractions.
World Health Organization.Pocket Book of Hospital Care for Children: Guidelines for the Management of Common Childhood Illnesses.
Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization; 2013.
