Suprasternal retractions can be caused by any condition that leads to respiratory distress. Common causes include:
- Bronchiolitis: Often caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), bronchiolitis is a frequent cause of respiratory distress in infants. - Asthma: Asthma flare-ups can cause significant respiratory effort, leading to retractions. - Croup: This viral infection can cause airway obstruction and stridor, resulting in retractions. - Pneumonia: Infections of the lungs can severely affect a child's ability to breathe. - Congenital Heart Disease: Conditions like congenital heart defects can lead to increased work of breathing and retractions.
