Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsIn ChildrenIn AdultsDuring ExerciseTypesWhen to Call a Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
In Children
In Adults
During Exercise
Types
When to Call a Provider
A normal respiratory rate for adults is between 12 to 18 breaths per minute. Normal respiratory rates for children depend on their age, with babies and toddlers taking more breaths per minute. Typically, a normal respiratory rate for newborns is 30 to 60 breaths per minute.
Normal Respiratory Rate in Children
Periodic breathing can be frightening for a parent. But it’s usually normal unless your child has other symptoms of an underlying medical condition.
Normal Respiratory Rate In Adults
A respiratory rate should be measured when a person is at rest, not after intense activity. An adult normally will breathe between 12 and 16 times per minute.In general, breathing rates are slightly faster in females than males.
Respiratory Rate in Older AdultsStudies suggest that respiratory rates in older adults tend to be higher than those of younger adults.Lung function tends to decrease with age, even in people who do not have an underlying lung disease likechronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD).
Respiratory Rate in Older Adults
Studies suggest that respiratory rates in older adults tend to be higher than those of younger adults.Lung function tends to decrease with age, even in people who do not have an underlying lung disease likechronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD).
Exercise makes your muscles work harder, and in order for them to work harder, they need to use more oxygen to make more energy.This means that:
Is 30 breaths a minute normal?Thirty breaths per minute is a normal respiratory rate for children up to 12 years of age.A rate of 30 breaths per minute in an adolescent or resting adult is considered abnormal and may warn of a health issue.
Is 30 breaths a minute normal?
Thirty breaths per minute is a normal respiratory rate for children up to 12 years of age.A rate of 30 breaths per minute in an adolescent or resting adult is considered abnormal and may warn of a health issue.
Types of Abnormal Respiratory Rates
Medical professionals use several terms to describe abnormal rates, including:
An “abnormal respiratory rate” is a respiratory rate that is too fast or too slow compared to what would be expected for someone your age. For example, having a severe infection leads to more rapid rates. A head injury, stroke, or overdose may cause slower than normal breathing.
Recent studies suggest that knowing your respiratory rate can help your healthcare provider predict serious medical events.Studies also suggest that respiratory rates are not measured as often as they should be. It’s been coinedthe“ignored vital sign.”
Increased Respiratory Rate
In adults, a breathing rate over 20 breaths per minute is usually considered elevated. A rate over 24 breaths per minute suggests a serious condition that may include:
In children, the most common causes of an increased breathing rate includefeverand dehydration. Very rapid breathing (a respiratory rate greater than 50) with a fever is cause for concern.Bronchiolitisandpneumoniaare common causes. Acidosis and asthma can quicken breathing rates in children, too.
Rapid Respiratory Rate in Newborns
Decreased Respiratory Rate
Some experts define a low respiratory rate as less than 12 breaths a minute in adults.A lower breathing rate is often cause for concern.
Some causes of a lower rate include:
Make sure to use the rate ranges for children when you’re counting a child’s breaths and use the adult ranges for adults.
When to Call Your Healthcare Provider
If your breathing rate changes, it’s a good reason to contact your healthcare provider. This is especially true if you have a condition such as asthma or heart disease. An increased respiratory rate alone can be a warning sign.
If you’re a healthcare professional, pay close attention to this often-ignored vital sign. One study found that measuring respiratory rate around the time of discharge from the emergency room helped to predict problems after discharge.
Summary
Your respiratory rate is the number of breaths you take in one minute. Adults typically breathe at a slower rate than children. Your respiratory rate is an important measurement because many health conditions, some of them serious, can change how fast or slow you breathe. When your breathing rate changes, it may mean your body isn’t getting enough oxygen.
Fever, dehydration, and infection can all speed up your breathing. So can long-term health conditions like asthma, COPD, and heart problems. Alcohol, medications, sleep apnea, brain injuries, and metabolic issues can all slow your breathing.
If you notice changes to your respiratory rate, talk to a healthcare professional. You may be dealing with a health condition that needs treatment.
21 Sources
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