Normal Respiratory Rate - An Overview

Introduction

The respiratory rate is a measure of how many breaths a person takes per minute. It is an important indicator of overall respiratory health and can be affected by a variety of factors, including age, sex, physical activity, and underlying medical conditions. A normal respiratory rate can vary depending on a person's age and health status but is generally considered to be between 12 and 20 breaths per minute in adults. However, respiratory rates outside this range may also be considered normal for certain populations, such as athletes or newborn infants. Monitoring respiratory rate is a simple and non-invasive way to assess respiratory function, and can help healthcare providers identify potential respiratory problems early on. This article will discuss what constitutes a normal respiratory rate, how it can be measured, and what factors can affect it and it will also explore why monitoring respiratory rate is important for maintaining good respiratory health, and how abnormal respiratory rates can indicate underlying health issues.

What Are the Vital Signs That Are Checked?

The signs include:

• Body Temperature - The body has a temperature of around 98°F (Fahrenheit) to maintain basic functions.

• Blood Pressure - It measures the amount of blood during heart contraction and heartbeats. It is 120 by 80 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury).

• Pulse Rate - Similar to heart rate, it is measured for a minute. The pattern and speed imply the cardiac rhythm.

What Does the Respiratory Drive Implicate?

Respiration is the metabolic process of expired and inspired air. It is maintained by the respiratory drive. It is divided into three subtypes, which are as follows;

• Neural Central Control - It is responsible for ventilation rate and air intake. It regulates exhalation, inhalation, and breathing pattern.

• Sensory Input System - The central nervous system regulates the air volume and rate of breathing. It also recognizes chemical irritants.

• Muscular System - The lungs function in accordance with other systems and regulate the breathing mechanism.

These systems function together during oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange by the lungs. During inhalation, carbon dioxide is less, and oxygen is in excess. It signifies metabolism at the cellular level. The respiratory drive is connected to the nervous system. Damage to the nervous system directly affects the respiratory rate.

What Is the Normal Respiratory Rate in Adults and Children?

A normal respiratory rate in a healthy adult has 12 to 20 breaths in a minute. It can signify serious medical conditions like cardiac arrest. If the respiratory rate is less than the normal respiratory rate, it signifies nervous disorders. If the respiratory rate is more than the normal respiratory rate, it indicates underlying systemic illness. Elderly persons are prone to respiratory diseases due to their health conditions.

The respiratory rate for children depends on age. For children up to a year, they have 30 to 60 breaths per minute. Toddlers of age one to three years have 24 to 40 breaths per minute. Preschool children of three to six years have 22 to 34 breaths per minute. School-age children of age six to twelve years have 18 to 30 breaths per minute. Adolescent children of age 12 to 18 years have 12 to 16 breaths per minute.

How Is the Respiratory Rate Measured?

It is easy to measure by following simple steps:

• A timer is set for a minute.

• The patient who requires evaluation should take rest, sit or lie down. They should avoid vigorous activity before evaluating their vital signs.

• The timer is initiated, and the medical professional measures the number of breaths taken for a minute. It can also be evaluated by counting the number of times the chest rises up.

What Are the Common Factors That Affect the Measurement of Respiratory Rate?

• The emotional state of the patient.

• Physical fitness of patients.

• The internal temperature of the patient.

• The disease or health condition of the patient.

What Are the Causes of Decreased Respiratory Rate?

• Alcohol - Alcohol depresses the central nervous system. The effects of alcohol on respiratory rate increase with high consumption. Even four to seven servings of alcohol can have a negative impact on the central nervous system.

• Narcotics - Narcotics have a greater influence on the central nervous system. The effects of drugs vary from blood pressure variations to respiratory rate. Smokeless tobacco like marijuana and hallucinogenic drugs like opioids influence the respiratory rate.

• Metabolic Issues - An underactive thyroid gland plays an important role in regulating respiratory mechanisms. It weakens the respiratory muscles by restricting lung function. This decreases the respiratory rate.

• Brain Injuries or Stroke - Stroke is the major reason for death in the United States. It results in respiratory dysfunction. The variation in the respiratory rate ranges from mild to severe. Mild changes eventually cause sleep apnea. Severe respiratory changes result in the need for respirators.

• Sleep Apnea - It disrupts the sleep pattern due to the difference in breathing patterns. Two main types include obstructive and central sleep apnea. It also includes underlying systemic disorders like stroke, cardiac failure, and medications taken for the same.

What Are the Causes of Increased Respiratory Rate?

• Fever - The common reaction exhibited by the body in response to infection is fever. The symptoms include excessive body heat, sweating, and the inability to tolerate chills. It eventually increases the respiratory rate as the body tries to cool.

• Dehydration - During the dehydration phase, the body does not utilize sufficient water. It affects the gaseous exchange and increases the respiratory rate.

• Asthma - It is a respiratory condition in which the airways become inflamed with mucus and causes breathing difficulties. Severe asthma blocks the air passages and intake of oxygen. The body takes up excess air to compensate for the lack of oxygen.

• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder) - It includes emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and asthma. Patients with all these conditions have an increased respiratory rate.

• Cardiac Conditions - The heart is related to the respiratory system to circulate gas to the vital organs through blood. In the case of cardiac disease, the heart function deteriorates. Hence, it cannot pump blood. The oxygen requirement in the body increases and eventually results in an increased respiratory rate.

• Medications Overdose - Excess intake of drugs stimulates the neurotransmitters and increases the respiratory rate.

• Infections - Lung infections increase oxygen intake.

• Anxiety - Panic attacks activate the flight and fright response. This results in an increased respiratory rate.

• Tachypnea - Transient tachypnea affects newborns and causes an increase in respiratory rate.

Conclusion

If an individual experiences a variation in their breathing pattern, they should seek help from medical professionals. Patients with underlying systemic illnesses must be careful and require continuous monitoring.