Word parts
What it means
When the airways are narrowed or the lungs are stiff, the person pulls harder to breathe in, and the low pressure inside the chest pulls the soft tissue between the ribs inward. It is easier to see in infants and young children because their chest walls are thin and soft. It is one of the signs of increased work of breathing, along with nasal flaringNAY-zul FLAIR-ingWidening of the nostrils each time a person breathes in.Full entry and gruntingGRUN-tingA short, low sound made at the end of each breath out.Full entry .
For the nurse
Look at the bare chest of a child with a breathing problem and note where retractions are seen and how deep they are. Report new or worsening retractions at once, with the respiratory rate and oxygen saturation.
At a glance
| Also written | intercostal retractions |
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Related terms
inter-
A word beginning that means between or among.
retraction
A drawing back or pulling in of tissue; in breathing, the skin sinking in between, below or above the ribs with each breath.
respiratory distress
Difficulty breathing severe enough that a person has to work hard to move air in and out.
nasal flaring
Widening of the nostrils each time a person breathes in.
grunting
A short, low sound made at the end of each breath out.