What are chest retractions?
Chest retractions happen when a child is working very hard to breathe. You can see the skin pulling in — between the ribs, under the ribs, above the collarbone, or at the throat (neck). Retractions tell you that your child’s body is using extra muscles to move air. They are always a sign that your child needs medical attention.
How to identify retractions
To check for retractions, uncover your child’s chest and watch closely while they breathe:
- Subcostal retractions: skin pulling in just below the rib cage — the belly sucks in with each breath
- Intercostal retractions: skin pulling in between the ribs — you can see the ribs clearly with each breath
- Suprasternal retractions: the skin at the base of the throat (just above the breastbone) pulls in
- Supraclavicular retractions: the skin just above the collarbone pulls in
Mild retractions may appear only when your child is breathing faster than usual. Severe retractions are visible at rest and involve multiple areas.
| Retractions always mean: contact your provider today Even mild retractions are a signal that your child is working harder than normal to breathe. Take a video using MamaBear to show your provider exactly what you are seeing — this is far more useful than a description. Severe retractions — especially with blue color or fast breathing — are a medical emergency. |
Using MamaBear to capture retractions
When you see retractions, open MamaBear and record a short video of your child’s chest. Make sure the chest is uncovered and the lighting is good. Send the video report to your provider immediately. Video is the single most useful thing you can give a provider who cannot see your child in person.
| 📞 Call your provider if: Any retractions — mild or moderate Retractions with fast breathing Retractions that come and go Retractions with wheezing or cough You are unsure what you are seeing — send a video | 🚨 Go to the ER immediately if: Severe retractions in multiple areas Retractions with blue or gray color Retractions with grunting on each breath Child appears exhausted from breathing Retractions and child is hard to wake |