What is the definition or description of: grunting breaths?

Respiratory distress: is often accompanied by a grunting sound which is the body's way of providing positive end expiratory pressure, a dynamic that can help with air exchange. As the glottis closes early, producing the grunting sound, the lungs are held open longer to allow for better air exchange. A therapeutic maneuver used to accomplish the same thing is to provide positive end expiratory pressure mechanically, helping to reduce the effort required for the infant to maintain proper air exchange.