Understanding the Normal Range and What's Abnormal
Your respiratory rate is the number of breaths you take per minute, and it is a key indicator of your overall health, alongside your heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. While the normal resting rate for a healthy adult is widely accepted as 12 to 20 breaths per minute, significant deviations outside this range can indicate an underlying medical condition. Therefore, if a person's resting respiratory rate falls consistently below 12 or rises consistently above 20, it is considered abnormal and should be evaluated.
What is Tachypnea?
Tachypnea is the medical term for an abnormally fast respiratory rate, typically defined as more than 20 breaths per minute in a resting adult. It is often a sign that the body is working harder to get enough oxygen or to expel excess carbon dioxide. Tachypnea can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from manageable issues to serious medical emergencies.
What is Bradypnea?
Conversely, bradypnea refers to an abnormally slow respiratory rate, defined as fewer than 12 breaths per minute in a resting adult. A slow breathing rate can be a cause for concern as it may indicate central nervous system dysfunction or other serious health problems. It is crucial to recognize the symptoms associated with bradypnea and seek medical attention when necessary.
Measuring Your Respiratory Rate at Home
To determine if a respiratory rate is abnormal, it must be measured accurately. For the most reliable results, measure the rate when the person is calm and at rest. If you're measuring your own, it is best to have a friend or family member do it for you, as consciously observing your own breathing can alter the rate. Here is a simple guide:
- Have the person sit or lie down comfortably and relax for a few minutes.
- Without alerting them, observe their chest and count how many times it rises over the course of one full minute.
- Note the number of breaths per minute. Remember, one full breath is one chest rise (inhalation) and one chest fall (exhalation).
- Repeat the measurement a few times to ensure consistency.
Causes of an Abnormal Respiratory Rate
Both tachypnea and bradypnea can be caused by a wide range of medical conditions and external factors. Understanding these causes can help contextualize an abnormal reading. Below are some potential factors:
Causes of Tachypnea (High Respiratory Rate)
- Anxiety or Panic Attacks: Psychological distress can trigger the body's 'fight or flight' response, causing rapid, shallow breathing.
- Fever: Increased body temperature raises the metabolic rate, causing the body to breathe faster to regulate its temperature.
- Respiratory Infections: Conditions like pneumonia, bronchitis, or asthma can cause lung inflammation, making breathing more difficult and increasing the respiratory rate.
- Heart Conditions: Heart failure can lead to fluid buildup in the lungs, causing the body to breathe faster to compensate for reduced oxygen levels.
- Pulmonary Embolism: A blood clot in the lung can significantly reduce oxygen levels, triggering a rapid increase in breathing.
- Exercise: Intense physical activity naturally increases the breathing rate, which is a normal, physiological response.
Causes of Bradypnea (Low Respiratory Rate)
- Medications: Certain drugs, especially opioids, sedatives, and anesthetics, can depress the central nervous system and slow the breathing rate.
- Brain Injuries: Damage to the brainstem, which controls basic functions like breathing, can cause a dangerously slow respiratory rate.
- Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland slows down the body's metabolism, which can lead to a lower breathing rate.
- Neurological Conditions: Conditions affecting the nervous system or muscles involved in breathing can lead to bradypnea.
- Sleep: Breathing naturally slows down during sleep, especially during deep sleep.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While a slightly elevated or reduced rate due to stress or physical exertion may be temporary, a consistently abnormal respiratory rate, especially when accompanied by other symptoms, requires professional medical evaluation. According to the Mayo Clinic, seek medical attention immediately if a respiratory rate is accompanied by:
- Severe shortness of breath that comes on suddenly
- Chest pain, fainting, or blue lips
- Changes in mental alertness or confusion
- A new breathing problem after surgery or long periods of inactivity
It is important to remember that this article is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional regarding any health concerns or before making decisions about your medical care. The American Lung Association also offers valuable resources on respiratory health at American Lung Association.
Comparison of Normal and Abnormal Respiratory Rates
| Feature | Normal Respiratory Rate | Abnormal Respiratory Rate (Tachypnea) | Abnormal Respiratory Rate (Bradypnea) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Range (Adult) | 12-20 breaths/minute | > 20 breaths/minute | < 12 breaths/minute |
| Context | At rest, no underlying health conditions | At rest or with mild exertion | At rest or with medication use |
| Common Causes | No underlying cause | Anxiety, fever, infection, heart issues | Head injury, opioids, hypothyroidism |
| Associated Symptoms | None | Shortness of breath, dizziness, anxiety | Drowsiness, confusion, blue skin |
| Clinical Term | Eupnea | Tachypnea | Bradypnea |
Conclusion
Your respiratory rate is a vital sign that provides a window into your body's overall health and function. While a resting rate of 12 to 20 breaths per minute is generally considered normal for an adult, consistently falling outside this range can be a red flag. Answering the question, "Which of the following respiratory rates is considered an abnormal respiratory rate for an adult?" requires understanding the specific context of the measurement and recognizing that rates below 12 (bradypnea) or above 20 (tachypnea) are concerning. Promptly evaluating and seeking medical advice for persistent or severe respiratory abnormalities can lead to early diagnosis and treatment of underlying health issues, helping to prevent more serious complications.
