Pediatrics

Pediatric Respiratory Distress & Bronchiolitis Severity Score (RSS)

Evaluates pediatric respiratory distress score (0–12) for viral bronchiolitis, croup, and asthma.

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Formula

RSS Score = Respiratory Rate (0–3) + Wheezing/Air Entry (0–3) + Retractions (0–3) + General Appearance (0–3)
Total: 0 to 12 Points

Standardizes bedside respiratory scoring across triage nurses, pediatricians, and intensivists to guide escalating respiratory support.

Scoring should be repeated post-nasal suctioning, as upper airway mucus obstruction can falsely elevate retraction and tachypnea scores.