Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment. Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice.
Intercostal retractions occur when the muscles between the ribs pull inward. The movement is most often a sign that the person has a breathing problem. Intercostal retractions are a medical emergency.
Conditions such as asthma require you to be vigilant in suppressing your symptoms, however. Neglecting your underlying condition can cause a relapse of intercostal retractions. The outlook for the cause of the retractions depends on what the condition is and how serious it is. Monitoring your health and maintaining communication with your doctor will help you avoid any triggers and keep you in good health.