In children, retractions are more evident in which area compared to adults?

In children, retractions are more evident in the intercostal area compared to adults due to their anatomical and physiological differences. Children have a smaller thoracic cavity and less developed intercostal muscles, making them more susceptible to airway obstruction and respiratory distress. As a result, during times of respiratory difficulty, their intercostal spaces can visibly retract as they use accessory muscles to aid in breathing. This retraction is a compensatory mechanism to help increase airflow when their primary respiratory muscles are not sufficient on their own.

In adults, retractions also occur, but the presentation and the areas where they are most noticeable can differ. Therefore, the intercostal area being more prominent in children highlights the importance of recognizing signs of respiratory distress in pediatric patients.