What is a bad RR rate? Understanding abnormal respiratory rates
The respiratory rate (RR) is one of the four main vital signs, alongside heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. It measures the number of breaths a person takes per minute. While often overlooked, it can provide crucial information about a person's health, as a bad RR rate can be one of the earliest signs of a medical issue. An RR rate is considered "bad" or abnormal when it is consistently outside the normal resting range for a person's age.
The two types of abnormal respiratory rates
Abnormal respiratory rates fall into two main categories: tachypnea (too fast) and bradypnea (too slow).
Tachypnea: Breathing too fast
This condition is defined as an abnormally rapid rate of breathing. For a resting adult, a rate exceeding 20-25 breaths per minute is often considered tachypnea. Fast breathing can be shallow, particularly during a respiratory illness, and may be the body's attempt to increase oxygen uptake or compensate for a lack of oxygen.
- Common Causes of Tachypnea
- Infections: Conditions like pneumonia or sepsis can increase the body's demand for oxygen, leading to a faster breathing rate.
- Fever: An elevated body temperature increases metabolic rate, which in turn raises the respiratory rate.
- Respiratory Illnesses: Conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pulmonary fibrosis cause inflammation or scarring in the lungs, making breathing difficult and leading to a higher RR.
- Heart Problems: Heart failure or other cardiac issues can cause fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary edema), making it harder to breathe.
- Anxiety and Panic Attacks: Acute stress can cause rapid, deep breathing, or hyperventilation, which is often a temporary form of tachypnea.
Bradypnea: Breathing too slowly
Bradypnea is the opposite of tachypnea, involving a respiratory rate that is too slow. For a resting adult, a rate below 12 breaths per minute is generally classified as bradypnea. This can be a very serious sign of a central nervous system issue or the effect of depressant drugs.
- Common Causes of Bradypnea
- Medication or Drug Overdose: The use of sedatives, opioids, alcohol, and other central nervous system depressants can significantly slow down breathing.
- Head Injury: Trauma to the brain can affect the part of the brain that controls breathing, leading to a decreased respiratory drive.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Severe, untreated sleep apnea can cause intermittent breathing cessation during sleep, and in severe cases, affect the overall RR.
- Hypothermia: Significantly low body temperature slows down all physiological processes, including respiration.
- Neurological Conditions: Conditions affecting the brain stem or nervous system can interfere with the body's breathing regulation.
Measuring your respiratory rate
For the most accurate measurement, the subject should be at rest and unaware they are being observed.
- Preparation: Have the person sit or lie down comfortably for a few minutes to calm down.
- Observation: Without the person's awareness, observe the rise and fall of their chest for one full minute. One full rise and one full fall equals one breath.
- Count: Count the total number of breaths taken in one minute. Use a watch with a second hand or a timer on a phone to be precise.
- Note: Document the count and note any unusual breathing patterns, such as shallow or labored breaths.
Normal vs. abnormal RR rate by age
Normal RR ranges vary significantly depending on age. Here is a comparison of what is considered normal versus abnormal.
| Age Group | Normal Resting RR | Abnormal (Potentially "Bad") Range |
|---|---|---|
| Newborns & Infants (<1 yr) | 30–60 breaths/min | Rate over 60 |
| Toddlers (1–3 yrs) | 24–40 breaths/min | Rate over 40 |
| Children (4–12 yrs) | 18–30 breaths/min | Rate over 30 or under 18 |
| Adolescents (13–17 yrs) | 12–20 breaths/min | Rate over 20 or under 12 |
| Adults | 12–20 breaths/min | Rate under 12 or over 25 |
It is important to remember that these are general guidelines for individuals at rest. Rates will increase during exercise or strenuous activity.
When to seek medical attention for an abnormal RR rate
While a slightly elevated or decreased RR might not be an immediate emergency, several signs indicate the need for prompt medical evaluation. You should seek immediate medical assistance if an adult's respiratory rate is consistently outside the 12-25 breaths per minute range, especially if other signs of distress are present.
- Signs of Respiratory Distress
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
- Cyanosis (bluish skin or lips)
- Gurgling or noisy breathing
- Restlessness or confusion
- Using accessory muscles (neck, intercostal) to breathe
For more information on the causes of abnormal breathing and treatment options, consult an authoritative resource like the American Lung Association.
Conclusion
Monitoring your respiratory rate is an essential part of understanding your overall health. While simple to measure, it can provide critical insights into your body's function. Knowing what is a bad RR rate and what to look for can help you identify potential health problems early and determine when it is necessary to seek professional medical advice. A consistently abnormal rate is a signal from your body that should not be ignored.
