ACPCF Infant Guideline - The Knowledge Network

BREATHING ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST FOR PARENTS
STAGE 1 If the answer to either of the following questions is yes, it is important that you do
carry out chest physiotherapy
Action Yes No
Hear
Feel
Is he/she coughing?
Place hands around ribs – can you feel any secretions
moving/rattling in the chest on breathing?
STAGE 2 Even if there is no obvious cough or rattle in the chest, it is still important to
double check for some less obvious signs which might mean that there are some secretions
in the chest or a chest infection. If the answer to one or more of the following questions is yes,
it is still a good idea to give the baby some chest physiotherapy.
Action Yes No
Observe
Hear
Is breathing rate faster than normal?
(Normal for baby under one year is 30-50 breaths per
minute and baby one to two years 20-40 breaths per
minute)
Are there signs of a cold e.g. snuffles or blocked
nose?
Is you baby more unsettled / crying more than normal
or do they seem to be unwell?
Does the skin feel warmer than usual (i.e do you think
he/she has a fever)?
Can you hear a wheeze (a musical noise usually on
breathing out but may be on breathing in)
STAGE 3 If the answer to any of the following questions is “yes” your baby is very likely to
require additional medication (e.g. antibiotics) as well as chest physiotherapy.
Action Yes No
Observe
Hear
Does the breathing look more laboured than usual?
(vest / T-shirt off)
Can you see the ribs more clearly on breathing in? (Is
the skin between the ribs sucked inwards on breathing
in?)
Does the front of the chest, or the area below the ribs
get “sucked inwards” on breathing in?
Are the nostrils flaring on breathing in?
Is the skin at the bottom of the neck sucked in on
breathing in?
Does the head bob up and down on breathing?
Are the lips paler than normal?
Do the lips the lips have a blue tinge? (If yes, you
should urgently seek medical attention)
Are there any grunting noises on breathing?
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