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Increased effort in inhalation is a clear indicator of respiratory distress, as it demonstrates that the patient is struggling to breathe effectively. When the body encounters difficulty in obtaining sufficient oxygen or expelling carbon dioxide, the respiratory muscles, primarily the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, must work harder. This increased effort may manifest as visible contractions of these muscles, an increased rate of breathing, or the use of accessory muscles located in the neck and thorax.

By observing an individual in respiratory distress, healthcare professionals look for signs of increased effort, including the appearance of shallow or labored breathing. In contrast, clubbing of fingers is often associated with chronic respiratory conditions but does not directly reflect acute respiratory distress or increased work of breathing. A decreased respiratory rate can suggest a range of issues, including fatigue or respiratory depression, which may not correspond to increased effort. Consistent abdominal movements may indicate diaphragmatic breathing but do not signal an increased work of breathing by themselves. Thus, increased effort in inhalation is the most direct and relevant sign of increased respiratory workload during distress.