Assessing Breathing: Signs of Normal vs. Abnormal Respiration

Look, Listen, Feel for ≤10 seconds:

Normal Breathing

• Look: Regular chest/abdominal rise-fall (12–20/min adult).
• Listen: Quiet inspiratory/expiratory sounds at mouth/nose.
• Feel: Airflow on cheek/back of hand; mirror fogs.

Abnormal/Distressed Breathing

• Gasping/agonal: Irregular, infrequent gasps—treat as not breathing → start CPR.
• Labored: Accessory muscle use, nasal flaring, intercostal retractions.
• Noisy: Stridor (upper airway), wheeze (lower), gurgling (secretions).
• Apnea: No movement, sound, or airflow for 10 sec.
• Cyanosis: Blue lips/tongue/skin (late sign).
• Altered mental status: Confusion, lethargy (hypoxia).

Action

If abnormal or uncertain → Call EMS, start CPR if unresponsive/not breathing normally. Context matters (recent exertion → transient tachypnea).