Final answer:
Signs of respiratory distress in children include shortness of breath, rapid breathing, retractions, nasal flaring, wheezing or stridor, and cyanosis. Premature infants may suffer from Respiratory Distress Syndrome due to lack of surfactant, and spirometry can help diagnose respiratory conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine if a child is experiencing true respiratory distress, you should look for several key clinical signs. Indicators of distress include shortness of breath, rapid breathing, retractions (sinking in of the skin around the ribs and neck during breathing), nasal flaring, wheezing or stridor, and a blue tinge around the mouth or fingernails (cyanosis).
It is important to consider the context, such as if an infant is born prematurely, they could be at risk for Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS), caused by insufficient production of pulmonary surfactant needed for lung inflation, leading to dyspnea and poor gas exchange. Confirming respiratory distress can involve the use of a spirometer or nebulizer, to assess the rate and ease of air flow in and out of the lungs. Immediate medical attention is critical if a child shows signs of respiratory distress.