What describes respiratory distress?

• A. A severe allergic reaction with swelling of lips
• B. Increased work of breathing; a sensation of shortness of breath
• C. A condition of chest pain that is relieved by rest
• D. A minor cough with runny nose

Answer: (B)

Respiratory distress shows up when the body is struggling to breathe. The hallmark is increased work of breathing—breathing becomes faster and harder, and you may see the use of extra muscles in the neck or chest, nasal flaring, or chest retractions—along with a subjective feeling of not getting enough air. That combination is what makes the description of increased work of breathing and a sensation of shortness of breath the best match for respiratory distress.

The other scenarios describe different problems: a severe allergic reaction with lip swelling is anaphylaxis, a systemic emergency that can involve the airway but is not the general description of distress; chest pain that’s relieved by rest points to cardiac issues like angina; a minor cough with runny nose is mild upper respiratory symptoms and does not indicate distress.