How do I know if my child is struggling to breathe?

Children can have serious breathing problems that need urgent medical attention. Learn how to recognise signs that mean your child is struggling to breathe.

On this page, you can find the following information:

Key points about breathing difficulties in children

  1. Breathing difficulties in children can be caused by many factors, such as viral infections, bacterial infections, asthma attack, allergies, passive smoking, exposure to harmful gases, blockage of the airway or cystic fibrosis. 
  2. Some of the signs that your child is struggling to breathe include fast breathing, sucking or pulling in under the ribcage or in between each rib, using the muscles around their neck, flaring of their nostrils and making extra noises while breathing in or out. 
  3. You should take your child to see your GP or a doctor if you notice any signs they are struggling to breathe or are worried about them.  
  4. If you are unsure what to do, call Healthline on 0800 611 116 or PlunketLine 0800 933 922 to ask for advice (these are free services).

Go to the nearest emergency department immediately or call 111 for an ambulance if your baby or child has any of the following symptoms: 
  • your baby or child looks blue, or has blue lips or tongue
  • your baby or child is agitated or very drowsy 
  • your baby or child is floppy and very tired
  • your baby or child is becoming less responsive
  • your baby has pauses in their breathing
  • your older child can only speak 1 or 2 words at a time and is very breathless. 

What are the causes of breathing difficulties in children?

Breathing difficulties in children can be caused by:

What are the symptoms and signs that my child is struggling to breathe? 

Your child might be struggling to breathe if they have any of the following symptoms:

  • shortness of breath or breathing faster than usual
  • making extra noises while breathing in or out 
  • runny nose, stuffy nose, blocked nose or sneezing
  • worsening cough 
  • producing phlegm, which can be white, yellow or green in colour.

Depending on the cause of your child's breathing difficulty, they may also have other symptoms such as fever, reduced feeding or appetite, or aches and pains.

Younger children may not tell you that they are struggling to breathe, so it's important you recognise signs that show they are having breathing difficulties. 

Signs that your baby is struggling to breathe:

Signs that your child is struggling to breathe:
  • breathing fast
  • sucking or pulling in under their ribcage (subcostal retraction)
  • sucking or pulling in between each rib (intercostal retraction)
  • their head is bobbing up and down as the muscles around their neck are working hard during breathing
  • their nostrils move out as they breathe (flaring of the nostrils)
  • they are making extra noises when breathing in or out or both.
  • breathing fast
  • sucking or pulling in under their ribcage (subcostal retraction)
  • sucking or pulling in between each rib (intercostal retraction)
  • is using the muscles around the neck during breathing
  • their nostrils move out as they breathe (flaring of the nostrils)
  • they make extra noises when breathing in or out or both 
  • they are so breathless that they can only speak a few words at a time. 

What are the different noises that babies or children can make when they are struggling to breathe?

There are 3 types of noises that your baby or child can make when they are struggling to breathe: wheeze, stridor or grunting. 

Wheeze

Wheezing is a musical, whistling sound that children make when breathing out. It can also happen when they breathe in. The sound comes from their chest, not from their nose or throat. It can happen if your child has a condition like bronchiolitis, asthma or viral wheeze.

Stridor

Stridor is a harsh, high-pitched noise your child might make when breathing in. It can happen if your child has a condition like croup.

Grunting 

A grunt, moan or a short sigh is a noise your child might make when breathing out. It can happen if your child has a condition like pneumonia.

What to do if my child is struggling to breathe?

If you notice the above signs and symptoms, your child is struggling to breathe. You should take your child to see your doctor. You should also see your doctor if you are worried about your child. If you are unsure what to do, call Healthline on 0800 611 116 or PlunketLine 0800 933 922 to ask for advice. These are free services.

Go to the nearest emergency department immediately or call 111 for an ambulance if your baby or child has any of the following symptoms: 
  • your baby or child looks blue, or has blue lips or tongue
  • your baby or child is agitated or very drowsy 
  • your baby or child is floppy and very tired
  • your baby or child is becoming less responsive
  • your baby has pauses in their breathing
  • your older child can only speak 1 or 2 at a time words and is very breathless. 

Learn more

Signs that children are struggling to breathe KidsHealth NZ
Signs of breathing problems in children British Lung Foundation, UK
Children with breathing difficulties Patient Info, UK
Respiratory distress Nationwide Children's, US

References

  1. Children with respiratory difficulties Patient Info, UK 
  2. Signs of respiratory distress in children Physiopedia, US

Reviewed by

Dr Arna Letica has worked as a GP for over 13 years, with particular interests in women's and children's health. She is currently focusing on non-clinical roles, including working as a medical assessor.
Credits: Health Navigator Editorial Team. Reviewed By: Dr Arna Letica, FRNZCGP, Auckland Last reviewed: 07 May 2021