What is a sign of respiratory distress?

Signs of respiratory distress encompass a range of indicators that suggest a person is having difficulty breathing. Troubled breathing or rapid breathing is a clear and observable symptom of respiratory distress. When someone is experiencing this condition, their breathing may become noticeably faster and more labored as their body attempts to take in more oxygen and expel carbon dioxide effectively.

This increase in breathing rate can be a response to various factors such as anxiety, a respiratory infection, asthma, or other medical emergencies. It signifies that the individual's respiratory system is not functioning optimally, which may require immediate attention. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for lifeguards and first responders to assess the situation quickly and determine the appropriate response, such as calling for medical help or providing assistance.

Loud breathing, excessive coughing, and inability to speak can also be indicators that there is a respiratory issue, but they do not specifically pinpoint the immediate distress level or the efficiency of respiration as clearly as rapid or troubled breathing does. Therefore, focusing on the nature of breathing patterns provides a more accurate assessment of someone in respiratory distress.