Intercostal retractions: What's it, causes, symptoms, diagnostics, treatment, prevention

Intercostal retractions; Retractions of the chest muscles

Intercostal retraction is a condition, in which the muscles between the ribs (intercostal muscles) drawn in when breathing. It can be a sign of respiratory distress and is often seen in infants and young children.. However, it can also happen in adults., especially those, who have lung or heart problems.

Intercostal retractions occur due to a decrease in air pressure inside the chest. This can occur, if the upper respiratory tract (windpipe) or small airways of the lungs (bronkhioly) partially blocked. As a result, the intercostal muscles are absorbed inside, between the ribs, when you breathe. This is a sign of an airway blockage. . Any health problem, causing blockage of the airways, causes retraction of the intercostal spaces.

Intercostal retractions are a dangerous condition and a medical emergency..

Causes of intercostal retractions

Intercostal retractions are usually caused by airway obstruction., making it difficult to breath. Here are some common reasons:

• Severe allergic reaction throughout the body, called anaphylaxis
• Asthma
• Swelling and accumulation of mucus in the smallest airways of the lungs (bronhiolit)
• Breathing problems and barking cough (croup)
• tissue inflammation (epiglottis), covering the trachea
• Foreign body in the trachea
• Pneumonia
• A lung problem in newborns is called respiratory distress syndrome..
• Accumulation of pus in the tissues of the posterior pharyngeal wall ( retropharyngeal abscess )

In infants, intercostal retractions may be a sign of respiratory distress syndrome., in which the lungs are not fully developed. Other causes in infants include pneumonia, bronchitis and congenital heart disease.

Symptoms of intercostal retractions

The most obvious symptom of intercostal retractions is the pulling in of the muscles between the ribs during breathing.. Other symptoms may include:

• Breathlessness
• Hurried breathing
• wheezing
• Chest pain
• Bluish discoloration of the skin (cyanosis)

If you or your child experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor immediately.

Seek immediate medical attention, if intercostal retractions occur. This could be a sign of an airway blockage., which can quickly become life-threatening.

Also seek medical attention, if the skin, lips or nail beds turned blue, or if the person is unconscious, become drowsy or have difficulty waking up.

When to contact a healthcare professional

If you or your child experience any symptoms of intercostal retractions, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. This is particularly important, if the symptoms are severe or if they are accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, coughing or wheezing.

Questions, that your doctor may ask

When You See Your Doctor About Intercostal Retractions, it, probably, ask you a series of questions, to determine the cause of your symptoms. Some questions, which the doctor may ask, include:

• When did you get symptoms?
• How severe are your symptoms?
• Have you or your child had any respiratory or heart disease in the past??
• Have you or your child been exposed to any respiratory infections recently?
• Have you or your child been exposed to any environmental toxins or irritants??
• Do you or your child have any other medical conditions?
• Are you or your child taking any medications or supplements??

Answering these questions as accurately as possible will help your doctor determine the best course of treatment..

Diagnosis of intercostal retractions

To diagnose intercostal retractions, the doctor will perform a physical examination and may order some tests, including:

• Chest X-ray
• Lung Function Tests
• Arterial blood gas analysis
• Echocardiogram

These tests can help your doctor determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and develop an appropriate treatment plan..

Treatment of intercostal retractions

Treatment for intercostal retractions will depend on the underlying cause of the condition.. In many cases, treatment will focus on managing symptoms and preventing complications.. Some common treatments include:

• Kislorodnaya therapy
• Inhalers or nebulizers to open the airways
• Antibiotics for bacterial infections
• Steroids to reduce inflammation
• Hospitalization in severe cases

If intercostal retractions are caused by a more serious condition, such as lung cancer or heart failure, treatment will focus on treating the underlying disease and improving overall health.

Treatment of intercostal retractions at home

In addition to medical treatment, there are some measures, things you can do at home, to manage symptoms of intercostal retraction. These include:

• Rest and avoidance of physical activity
• Using a humidifier to relieve coughs and nasal congestion
• Consumption of large amounts of fluid, to avoid dehydration.
• Avoiding exposure to smoke or other irritants.
• Following a healthy diet and exercise plan to maintain overall health

It's important to talk to your doctor, before starting any new home treatment regimen, especially if you are taking any medications or have other comorbidities.

Prevention of intercostal retractions

There are several steps, you can take, to prevent intercostal retractions and other respiratory problems. These include:

• Smoking cessation
• Avoidance of passive smoking
• Influenza and pneumonia vaccination
• Practicing good hand hygiene to prevent the spread of respiratory infections
• Prevention of exposure to toxins and pollutants from the environment
• Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise plan to maintain overall health

Taking these steps, you can reduce the risk of intercostal retractions and other respiratory problems.

Links

• Intercostal retractions. (2021, 23 August). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/18198-intercostal-retractions
• Intercostal retractions. (n.a.). health line. https://www.healthline.com/health/intercostal-retractions
• Brown CA, Walls RM. Airway. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 1.
• Rodrigues KK, Roosevelt GE. Acute inflammatory upper airway obstruction (croup, epiglottitis, laryngitis, and bacterial tracheitis). In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Bloom NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 412.
• Stephany A. Respiratory distress. In: Kliegman RM, Toth H, BJ borders, Basel D, eds. Nelson Pediatric Symptom-Based Diagnosis. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 4.

Conclusion

Indrawing of the intercostal spaces can be an alarming symptom, indicating an underlying respiratory problem.

If you are experiencing intercostal retractions, it is important to see a doctor immediately. Your doctor may ask questions, to determine the root cause of your symptoms and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the condition and may include oxygen therapy, inhaler or nebulizer, antibiotics, steroids or hospitalization in severe cases.

Home treatment can also help manage symptoms and includes rest., using a humidifier, preventing dehydration and avoiding smoking and other irritants.

Taking steps to prevent respiratory illness, such as quitting smoking, vaccination and avoidance of exposure to toxins and pollutants, you can reduce the risk of intercostal retractions and other respiratory problems.