What characteristic is common in children experiencing respiratory distress?

Children experiencing respiratory distress often exhibit an abnormal use of accessory muscles for breathing. In respiratory distress, the body attempts to compensate for insufficient oxygenation and ventilation. This compensation includes the engagement of accessory muscles, such as those in the neck and shoulders, as the child struggles to breathe effectively. The use of these muscles is a significant indicator of increased work of breathing and effort to maintain adequate oxygen levels, which may deviate from normal breathing patterns.

In contrast, stable breathing patterns would suggest a more comfortable respiratory state. Lengthened breaths could indicate other issues but are not typically a defining characteristic of respiratory distress; instead, breathing may be rapid or labored. Clear vocalizations would not generally be expected in respiratory distress, as such conditions often lead to difficulty speaking or making sounds due to reduced airflow or significant breathlessness.