Q: My 60-day-old baby has suspected RSV and their ribs sink in when breathing. Is this normal?

Medically reviewed by Sang Hyun Ahn, MD

Content edited by Myeongchan Kim, MD

This post is a dramatization of a question and answer session experienced by our actual medical reviewers. Please note that this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

Question:

I have a 60-day-old baby who has been receiving treatment for a suspected RSV cold for a week. We are using medication and breathing treatments, and the doctor confirmed there is no pneumonia. We just went to the clinic today. The wheezing has improved, but there is still a rattling sound of phlegm when my baby coughs.

The baby seems to be breathing fine overall, but I just noticed that the skin around their ribs sinks in deeply when they breathe. I only noticed this after returning from the doctor today, and it seemed more pronounced right after feeding. The baby doesn't appear to be struggling, but it looks strange. Is it okay for my baby to breathe like this?

Answer:

It is completely understandable to be worried about your 60-day-old baby's breathing, especially while recovering from a suspected RSV infection.

The symptom you are describing—where the skin around or under the ribs pulls in during inhalation—is called chest retraction. This can be a sign of respiratory distress, meaning the baby is working harder than usual to breathe, and it requires careful observation.

Please check your baby for the following signs right now:

• Is their breathing rate 60 breaths per minute or faster?

• Are their nostrils flaring out when they breathe?

• Are their lips or face pale or slightly blue?

• Has their feeding amount dropped to less than half of their usual amount?

⚠️ Go to the Emergency Room immediately if you notice any of the following:

• Breathing rate of 60 breaths or more per minute.

• Grunting sounds with each breath.

• Frequently stopping to catch their breath during feeding.

• Lethargy, limpness, or decreased responsiveness.

If your baby does not seem to be struggling right now and is still feeding well, here is what you can do at home:

1. Keep the baby's upper body slightly elevated at about a 30-degree angle to help them breathe more comfortably.

2. Use a humidifier to maintain indoor humidity between 40-60%.

3. Take a clear video of the baby's chest and breathing pattern while their shirt is off.

4. Visit your pediatrician first thing tomorrow morning and show them the video for a proper evaluation.

Because symptoms in a 60-day-old infant can change very rapidly, please set an alarm to check your baby's breathing status every 2 to 3 hours overnight. If their breathing appears to worsen at any point, do not hesitate to take them to the nearest emergency room.

For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.

fevercoach.us

Apple App Store

Google Play

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