As a parent, it’s never easy to see your child unwell.
The signs of more serious breathing problems can be both obvious and subtle.
If you notice these signs or think this may be a possibility, call for emergency assistance.
Blue/Gray Skin
Central cyanosis is blue or gray coloring to the skin of the face or chest.
It can occur in children of all ages and may be a sign of a respiratory or cardiovascular disorder.
What to Do
Call 911 immediately.
Althoughcongestionmay be heard when a person is breathing, true wheezing is a whistling noise.
If your child has no history of wheezing, seek medical attention right away.
Wheezing can progress quickly and your child’s oxygen levels can become dangerously low.
If that eliminates the wheezing, you may then contact them and ask what they recommend for further treatment.
Intercostal retracting in children can be a sign of a respiratory illness or a blocked airway.
Another way to determine if there is retraction is to look at the neck and collarbone.
This may help clear up the nasal flaring.
If it does not, contact your child’s doctor or seek medical attention right away.
MedlinePlus.Blue discoloration of the skin.
Tenero L, Piazza M, Piacentini G.Recurrent wheezing in children.Translational Pediatrics.
2016;5(1):31-36. doi:10.3978/j.issn.2224-4336.2015.12.01
MedlinePlus.Intercostal retractions.
Ushay, HM.Chapter 136: Cyanosis.
American Academy of Pediatrics.
