What common symptom is associated with respiratory distress in infants?

Grunting noises are a common symptom associated with respiratory distress in infants. This sound occurs as a mechanism to increase pressure in the chest and help the infant breathe more effectively. When an infant is struggling for breath, the grunting noise can be a response to a need for more oxygen or to prevent air from leaving the lungs while they exhale, effectively trying to maintain lung volume and improve oxygenation.

Infants may exhibit several signs of respiratory distress, but grunting is particularly notable because it indicates that the child is working hard to breathe and is often a sign that medical evaluation is needed. Other symptoms such as high-pitched screams, skin color changes, or frequent yawning might not directly indicate respiratory distress and can be associated with various other conditions. Therefore, recognizing grunting as a specific indicator of respiratory issues is crucial for timely intervention.