Categories >> Body Measurements >> Respiratory Rate
A human respiratory rate, also known as breathing rate, refers to the number of breaths a person takes per minute, typically measured while resting, with a normal range for adults considered to be between 12 and 20 breaths per minute; this rate can vary depending on age, activity level, and health conditions, with children generally having a higher respiratory rate than adults; factors like exercise, fever, or anxiety can cause a temporary increase in respiratory rate, while a significantly elevated rate may indicate a medical issue. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
Key points about human respiratory rate: [1, 5, 7]
• Measurement: Counting the number of chest rises in a minute while at rest. [1, 5, 7]
• Normal range for adults: 12-20 breaths per minute [1, 2, 4]
• Factors affecting rate: [2, 8, 9]
• Age: Children have higher rates than adults [2, 8, 9]
• Activity level: Exercise significantly increases respiratory rate [2, 4, 8]
• Emotions: Stress or anxiety can elevate breathing rate [8, 10]
• Health conditions: Respiratory diseases, fever, or heart problems may affect breathing rate [1, 2, 8]
Important terms related to respiratory rate: [2, 8]
• Tachypnea: Abnormally rapid breathing
• Bradypnea: Abnormally slow breathing
• Hyperpnea: Deep, rapid breathing [2, 6, 8]
[1] https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/vital-signs-body-temperature-pulse-rate-respiration-rate-blood-pressure
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537306/
[3] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10881-vital-signs
[4] https://cprcare.com/blog/normal-respiratory-rate-for-adults/
[5] https://www.premierhealth.com/your-health/articles/nurse-newsletter/the-overlooked-vital-sign-the-power-of-an-accurate-respiratory-rate
[6] https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-a-normal-respiratory-rate-2248932
[7] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Respiratory_rate
[8] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/breathing-rate
[9] https://resources.healthgrades.com/right-care/lungs-breathing-and-respiration/normal-respiratory-rate
[10] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8443549/