difficulty breathing severity, baby or young child
severe trouble breathing means:
- the child cannot eat or talk because he or she is breathing so hard.
- the child's nostrils are flaring and the belly is moving in and out with every breath.
- the child seems to be tiring out.
- the child seems very sleepy or confused.
moderate trouble breathing means:
- the child is breathing a lot faster than usual.
- the child has to take breaks from eating or talking to breathe.
- the nostrils flare or the belly moves in and out at times when the child breathes.
mild trouble breathing means:
- the child is breathing a little faster than usual.
- the child seems a little out of breath but can still eat or talk.
current as of: october 24, 2023
author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.