Evaluation of respiratory distress begins with a medical history and physical examination.

Physical findings in someone with respiratory distress may include:

• Cyanosis
• Congested lungs:
• During examination with a stethoscope
• Rapid heart rate
• Rapid respiratory rate
• Signs of severe difficulty breathing:
• Rib retractions: ribs are visible during each breath
• Nasal flaring: nostrils open wide during each breath
• Use of accessory muscles: neck muscles are prominent during each breath

Tests that may be used to evaluate respiratory distress include:

• Chest x-ray
• Pulse oximetry
• Arterial blood gas analysis
• EKG
• Echocardiogram