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Severe difficulty breathing in children

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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, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

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

Current as of: October 24, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

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

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.