Medical Encyclopedia

 

Medical Encyclopedia

Other encyclopedia topics:  A-Ag  Ah-Ap  Aq-Az  B-Bk  Bl-Bz  C-Cg  Ch-Co  Cp-Cz  D-Di  Dj-Dz  E-Ep  Eq-Ez  F  G  H-Hf  Hg-Hz  I-In  Io-Iz  J  K  L-Ln  Lo-Lz  M-Mf  Mg-Mz  N  O  P-Pl  Pm-Pz  Q  R  S-Sh  Si-Sp  Sq-Sz  T-Tn  To-Tz  U  V  W  X  Y  Z  0-9 

Intercostal retractions

Contents of this page:

Alternative Names   

Retractions of the chest muscles

Definition    Return to top

Intercostal retractions are the inward movement of the muscles between the ribs as a result of reduced pressure in the chest cavity. The movements are usually a sign of difficulty with breathing.

Considerations    Return to top

The chest wall is flexible, which allows for normal breathing. Cartilage that attaches the ribs to the sternum (breast bone) allows free movement of bony structures so that the rib cage can expand and contract.

The intercostal muscles are the muscles between the ribs. During breathing, these muscles contract and pull the rib cage upward, while the diaphragm moves downward. This expands the chest and causes air to fill the lungs.

When the upper airway (trachea) or the small airways of the lungs (bronchioles) become partially blocked, air flow is restricted. As a result, the intercostal muscles are sucked inward, between the ribs. This sucking in of the chest muscles is a sign of airway obstruction. Diseases or conditions that cause restriction of the airway will cause intercostal retraction.

Causes    Return to top

Home Care    Return to top

This is an emergency, requiring immediate medical attention.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Seek immediate medical attention if intercostal retractions occur. This can be a sign of airway obstruction, which can quickly become life threatening.

Also seek medical care if the skin, lips, or nailbeds turn blue, or if the person becomes confused, drowsy, or is hard to wake up.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit    Return to top

In emergency situations, the health care team will first take steps to help the patient breathe. This may include oxygen, medicines to reduce swelling, and other treatments.

When the person is stable, the health care provider will perform a physical exam to determine the cause of the airway obstruction. Questions will be asked about the symptoms and the person's medical history, including:

Diagnostic tests may include:

Update Date: 5/8/2008

Updated by: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M. Logo

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2009, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.