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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: October 24, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

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All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

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