What is a common symptom of respiratory distress?

Difficulty breathing is a hallmark symptom of respiratory distress. This condition occurs when the body's oxygen supply is insufficient, leading to the inability to breathe adequately or efficiently. Individuals experiencing respiratory distress may exhibit labored or rapid breathing, nasal flaring, use of accessory muscles for breathing, and may express a feeling of suffocating or being unable to catch their breath. Recognizing difficulty breathing is crucial as it prompts immediate medical evaluation and intervention to address potential underlying causes, such as asthma, pneumonia, or other pulmonary conditions.

In contrast, increased appetite is not generally associated with any form of respiratory distress and severity might in fact lead to decreased appetite or changes in dietary habits. Repetitive coughing can occur in various respiratory conditions but is not the primary indicator of respiratory distress. Excessive sweating may accompany distress but is more often linked to conditions like fever, exertion, or anxiety rather than being a defining symptom of respiratory distress itself.