Signs of breathing problems in children
If your child is having difficulty breathing, it can be very worrying. This information tells you what signs and symptoms to look out for, what they mean, what you can do about them, and when you should ask for help.
Call 999 now if your child has any of these breathing-related symptoms:
- Your child is having severe difficulty breathing
- Your child is grunting with the effort of trying to breathe, their nostrils may flare in and out and they may be pursing their lips
- The muscles under their ribs are sucking in with each breath
- Fast breathing
- Your child won’t wake up, or won’t stay awake
- Your child’s breathing stops for 20 seconds or longer on one occasion, or there are regular shorter pauses in their breathing
- They have very pale or blue skin, or the inside of their lips and tongue are blue
- Fitting, if they have never had a fit before

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Last medically reviewed: April 2022. Due for review: April 2025
This information uses the best available medical evidence and was produced with the support of people living with lung conditions. Find out how we produce our information. If you’d like to see our references get in touch.