Retractions
Say: rih-trak-shunz
Retractions are a sign someone is working hard to breathe. The areas below the
ribs, between the ribs, and in the neck sink in with each attempt to inhale. Normally,
when you take a breath, your diaphragm
and the muscles around your ribs create a vacuum that pulls air into your lungs. (It's
kind of like sucking liquid through a straw.) But if a person is having trouble breathing,
extra muscles kick into action. The use of these muscles results in retractions, which
can be seen as the person tries to inhale (breathe in).
