An indicator of respiratory distress in newborns, chest retractions cause the skin over ribs and breastbone to retract when a child is breathing. Chest retractions are one of many symptoms signally respiratory distress, and fast action must be taken to prevent worsening effects from occurring.
Chest retractions are often accompanied by many additional symptoms, such as:
One or more of these symptoms can call for further testing, such as x-rays and blood testing.
Issues with lung development causes respiratory distress syndrome in infants. Babies with this condition don’t have enough surfactant in the lungs, which can lead to lung collapse. Chest refractions and other symptoms related to respiratory distress syndrome are more likely to occur with certain risk factors:
Keep in mind that other conditions can cause chest refractions, including heart disease, sepsis, metabolic disorders, and lung conditions.
Oxygen therapy is used to treat chest refractions and other symptoms associated with respiratory distress syndrome. Oxygen may be administered via nasal tube, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices, and ventilators, which are used for severe cases of respiratory distress syndrome.
It’s also possible for doctors to administer surfactant to an infant’s lungs using a breathing tube. In the event of an infection, antibiotics may also be provided.