What symptom may suggest respiratory distress during examination?

Nasal flare is an observable sign that may indicate respiratory distress, particularly in children. It refers to the widening of the nostrils during inspiration, which occurs as the body attempts to increase airflow into the lungs when breathing becomes compromised. This is often seen in conditions such as asthma or severe respiratory infections, where the effort to breathe is increased.

While a deviated septum can affect airflow and may contribute to breathing difficulties, it does not provide immediate evidence of respiratory distress during an examination. Similarly, a transverse nasal crease—often associated with frequent allergic rhinitis or other conditions—signals habitual nasal obstruction rather than acute respiratory distress. Facial pain, although it may be related to sinus issues or other ENT conditions, does not directly indicate the state of a patient’s respiratory effort.

Therefore, nasal flare is the most direct and representative symptom that suggests respiratory distress, reflecting the body’s compensatory mechanisms in response to inadequate oxygenation or increased work of breathing.