What is an obvious sign of respiratory distress?

Retraction above and below the clavicles is a clear indication of respiratory distress. This sign suggests that a patient is struggling to breathe and is using excess effort to do so. When the intercostal muscles and other muscles near the collarbone are engaged to help with inhalation, it indicates that the body is not getting enough air through normal means, leading to a visible sinking of the skin in these areas. This physical manifestation highlights the severity of the respiratory effort required.

In contrast, while wheezing sounds can indicate airway constriction, they do not always denote distress. The use of accessory muscles further confirms respiratory distress, just as retractions do, but retractions are often more visually obvious. A decreased respiratory rate, however, is generally a sign of respiratory failure rather than distress, as it may indicate that the body is receiving insufficient oxygen, leading to fatigue. Thus, the presence of retractions directly showcases the immediate struggle for adequate breathing, making it a primary sign of respiratory distress.