Severe difficulty breathing in children
A child who is having severe difficulty breathing:
- Cannot eat or talk because he or she is breathing so hard.
- Has flared nostrils. Also, the child's belly will move in and out with each breath.
- Seems to be tiring out.
- Seems very sleepy or confused.
Call 911 or emergency services if these signs are present.
Current as of: February 25, 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.