Labored breathing is the physical presentation of SOB, as evidenced by increased effort to breathe.

• Chest recession is a sign of respiratory distress in kids, which occurs due to increasingly negative intrathoracic pressures cause indrawing of part of the chest. It isn't applicable in adults because structures in the chest wall are much more bony. Recession can be of:
  • Subcostal recession

Source: Wikimedia

• • Intercostal recession (aka chest wall recession)
  • Sternal recession

Source: Quizlet

• Use of accessory muscles of respiration, which can be seen in infants as head bobbing
• Stridor
• Tracheal tug, which is visible in the suprasternal notch during inspiration
• Nasal flaring, where the nostrils widen whilst a person is breathing
• Grunting, which are short, deep, hoarse sounds in expiration, occurring because the glottis briefly stops the flow of air, halting the movement of the lungs and surrounding structures. It is made to try preventing airway collapse, and improve oxygenation. It indicates severe respiratory distress
• Gasping, is a sign of severe hypoxia, and indicates impending respiratory arrest

• SOB
• Respiratory exam