What are common signs of respiratory distress in pediatric patients?

In pediatric patients, common signs of respiratory distress include increased work of breathing, which can manifest through various observable behaviors such as retractions (the inward movement of the chest wall during inhalation), grunting (a sound produced during expiration indicating a child is trying to increase end-expiratory lung volume), nasal flaring (widening of the nostrils as the child struggles to breathe), and cyanosis (a bluish discoloration of the skin indicating insufficient oxygenation). These signs indicate that the child is experiencing difficulty in breathing and is attempting to compensate for inadequate oxygen exchange. Recognizing these symptoms is vital for timely intervention, as respiratory distress can quickly progress to respiratory failure if left unaddressed.

The other options do not represent signs of respiratory distress. Sudden weight gain might imply fluid retention or other medical issues, a normal breathing pattern indicates no distress, and increased appetite is generally unrelated to respiratory distress symptoms.