You should worry about your child's breathing and seek immediate medical attention if they are showing signs of significant respiratory distress.
Here's a breakdown of when to be concerned and what actions to take:
Signs Requiring Immediate Action (Call 999 or go to A&E)
If your child exhibits any of the following, it constitutes a medical emergency:
- Difficulty Breathing: You might observe:
- Grunting noises with each breath.
- The skin of their tummy sucking inwards under their ribs as they breathe (intercostal retractions).
- Pauses in Breathing: Noticeable stops or gaps between breaths.
- Blue Skin, Tongue, or Lips (Cyanosis): This indicates a lack of oxygen in the blood.
- Unresponsiveness: Your child is floppy, difficult to wake up, or unable to stay awake.
Other Signs of Breathing Difficulty That Warrant Medical Attention (Contact your GP or NHS 111)
While the above scenarios necessitate immediate emergency care, other concerning signs should prompt a call to your doctor or NHS 111 for advice:
- Rapid Breathing: Breathing much faster than normal for their age.
- Nasal Flaring: Nostrils widening with each breath.
- Wheezing: A high-pitched whistling sound during breathing.
- Severe Coughing: Persistent or worsening cough that affects breathing.
- Increased Work of Breathing: Using extra muscles in the neck or chest to breathe.
Normal Breathing Rates for Children (Approximations)
These are approximate ranges; individual variations can occur. Always trust your instincts as a parent/guardian.
| Age Group | Breaths per Minute (BPM) |
|---|---|
| Newborn | 30-60 |
| 1-12 Months | 24-30 |
| 1-5 Years | 20-30 |
| 6-12 Years | 12-20 |
Important Considerations:
- These are resting respiratory rates. Breathing rate increases with activity or fever.
- Trust your gut feeling. If you are concerned about your child's breathing, seek medical advice, even if they don't precisely fit the above criteria.
- Underlying health conditions can affect breathing patterns. Discuss any pre-existing conditions with your doctor.
In summary, it's crucial to seek immediate medical help if your child is struggling to breathe, has pauses in their breathing, turns blue, or is unresponsive. For other concerning signs, contacting your GP or NHS 111 for guidance is advisable.
