Which breathing pattern is an indication of severe respiratory distress?

Intercostal retractions are a significant indication of severe respiratory distress. This sign occurs when the muscles between the ribs (intercostal muscles) are used more intensely to help with breathing, often due to difficulty in getting enough air. In the context of severe respiratory distress, the use of these muscles indicates that the body is struggling to oxygenate adequately, leading to a more pronounced effort to breathe.

While bradypnea, tachypnea, and normal respiration may reflect various respiratory conditions, they do not necessarily indicate the level of severity associated with intercostal retractions. Bradypnea, or an abnormally slow breathing rate, might not signal distress in all situations and can occur in various contexts, including medication effects. Tachypnea refers to an increased breathing rate, which can indicate respiratory issues but may not demonstrate the severe effort needed to breathe. Normal respiration indicates a stable and effective breathing pattern, which typically does not occur in severe respiratory distress. Hence, intercostal retractions serve as a clear, observable sign of significant respiratory compromise.