Labored breathing

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Synonyms and keywords: Labored respiration

## Overview

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Labored respirationis an abnormal respiration characterized by evidence of increased effort to breathe, including the use of accessory muscles of respiration, stridor, grunting, or nasal flaring.[1] Labored breathing is distinguished from shortness of breath or dyspnea, which is the sensation of respiratory distress rather than a physical presentation.

## Physical Examination

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Presentations of labored respiration include:

* Hyperpnea: faster and/or deeper breathing
* Tachypnea: increased breathing rate
* Retractions or recessions: sucking in of the skin, around the ribs[2] and the top of the sternum[3]
* Use of accessory muscles of respiration rather than only the diaphragm

## Causes

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* Cardiac diseases
* Diabetic ketoacidosis
* Metabolic acidosis
* Renal failure
* Respiratory failure

## References

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1. ↑ TheFreeDictionary > labored breathing Retrieved on Dec 12, 2009
2. ↑ Levene, Malcolm I. (2000). Essentials of neonatal medicine. Wiley-Blackwell. p. 28\. ISBN 0-632-05163-9. Unknown parameter `|coauthors=` ignored (help)
3. ↑ UpToDate >Patient information: Croup in infants and children Charles R Woods, MD, MS. Last literature review version 17.3: September 2009