Is Your Child Having Trouble Breathing? (Respiratory Distress in Children)
July 30, 2025
EMERGENCY WARNING CALL 911 OR GO TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM IMMEDIATELY IF YOUR CHILD:
- Cannot speak in full sentences or stops talking to catch their breath
- Has blue, gray, or pale lips, face, or fingernails
- Is grunting with each breath or bobbing their head while breathing
- Has severe chest pulling (retractions) with breathing
- Appears very drowsy, confused, or unresponsive
- You feel something is seriously wrong
When in doubt, seek emergency care immediately. Trust your instincts.
Seeing your child struggle to breathe can be very scary. If your child is having a lot of trouble breathing, go to the Emergency Room or call 911 right away. But sometimes the signs are small, and it can be hard to tell if something is wrong. Here are some things to look for to tell your doctor or the Imagine Pediatrics team when you call.
1. Fast Breathing: When your child is having trouble breathing, they may breathe faster to try and get more air. You can count their breaths by watching how many times their chest rises in one minute. Use a clock or timer.
Here’s how many breaths per minute are normal for different ages:
| Age | Respiratory Rate (breaths / min) |
|---|---|
| 0-1* | 24-38 |
| 1-3 | 22-30 |
| 4-6 | 20-24 |
| 7-9 | 18-24 |
| 10-14 | 16-22 |
| 14-18 | 14-20 |
*Newborns may breathe a little faster (around 40–50 breaths per minute), and that can be normal.
2. Noisy Breathing and Coughing: Sometimes, breathing problems make noises. You might hear a whistling sound when your child breathes in or out. This is called “stridor” and “wheezing.” A cough can also mean your child’s lungs are irritated or trying to push out air that’s stuck.
3. Working Hard to Breathe: If your child is using extra muscles to breathe, it’s a sign they are having trouble. You might see the skin between or under the ribs pulling in and out.
Concerning Signs:
- Muscles above the ribs and in the neck moving a lot
- Babies bobbing their heads or making grunting noises
- Preschoolers and older children stopping to catch their breath while talking
If your child can’t finish a sentence or your baby is grunting or head bobbing, go to the Emergency Room or call 911.
4. Changes in Color: A healthy child usually has a pink skin tone. If your child is having trouble breathing, their color may change from pink to pale, gray, or even blue.
If you see a color change, go to the Emergency Room or call 911 right away.
When to Seek Help
Call 911 or Go to Emergency Room RIGHT NOW if:
- Your child cannot speak in complete sentences
- Your child is grunting or head bobbing with breathing
- Severe chest pulling (retractions)
- You see blue, gray, or pale coloring around lips, face, or fingernails
- Your child seems very sick, drowsy, or confused
- Your instincts tell you this is an emergency
Call Your Doctor or Imagine Pediatrics if:
- Breathing is faster than normal for your child’s age
- You hear new wheezing or noisy breathing
- Mild chest pulling (retractions) that doesn’t seem severe
- Your child seems uncomfortable but is still talking normally
- You have concerns about your child’s breathing
Contact Options:
- Your primary care provider
- Your child’s specialist (if applicable)
- Emergency Department: Call 911 or go directly
- Imagine Pediatrics: (833) 208-7770
Important Reminders
- Trust your instincts – You know your child best
- When in doubt, seek help – It’s better to be safe
- Don’t wait if you see emergency warning signs
Keep this information handy for quick reference
We are here to help!
Imagine Pediatrics is dedicated to improving the health and lives of children with special health care needs. We provide 24/7 virtual and in-home care and support. We don’t replace your child’s current care team. We work with them to give your child more access to the high-quality care they need, whenever they need it – right from home. Our services are often at no cost if they are part of your child’s existing health plan benefits. Learn more about us here or call us (833) 208-7770.
Legal Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals for medical concerns. In case of emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.