All about respiratory rates
To breathe is to live. Respiratory rate, also known as breathing rate, is the number of times a person breathes in and out per minute. It is a vital sign that reflects the functioning of the respiratory system and can provide important information about a person's overall health. In this article, we will discuss the normal range of respiratory rates, the factors that can affect respiratory rate, and how it correlates to health.
What are normal respiratory rates?
The normal range of respiratory rates varies depending on age, sex, and activity level. In general, adult respiratory rates range from 12 to 20 breaths per minute, while children and infants have higher respiratory rates, with newborns having the highest rates of up to 60 breaths per minute. However, it's important to note that normal respiratory rate can vary greatly from person to person and can be influenced by several factors such as exercise fever, pain, anxiety, and certain medications. It is important to note that the normal respiratory rate is measured at rest, which means you must be in a relaxed calm resting state.
What does a change in respiratory rate indicate?
A change in resting respiratory rate can indicate a problem with the respiratory system or other body systems. A respiratory rate that is higher or lower than normal can indicate an underlying health condition. A high respiratory rate, also known as tachypnea, can be a sign of fever, infection, inflammation, or anemia. It can also be a symptom of chronic conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and heart failure. On the other hand, a low respiratory rate, also known as bradypnea, can be a sign of hypoxia (a lack of oxygen), sedation, and certain neurological disorders. Some athletes who train in breath work may also have a lower respiratory rate that is perfectly normal and has to be taken into consideration as well.
Why are respiratory rates measured in the hospitals?
Respiratory rate is also closely related to heart rate. The two are closely linked because the heart pumps blood, which carries oxygen to the body's tissues. When the body needs more oxygen, such as during exercise or illness, the respiratory rate and heart rate will increase to meet the body's needs. This is known as the respiratory-cardiac coupling.
Respiratory rate can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for certain conditions. For example, in patients with asthma or COPD, a decrease in respiratory rate can indicate that the treatment is working and the patient's breathing is improving. Similarly, in patients with heart failure, an increase in respiratory rate can indicate that the condition is worsening and the patient's breathing is becoming more difficult.
How does stress affect respiratory rates?
Respiratory rate has been found to be positively correlated with stress. Studies have shown that during periods of stress, the body's sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the "fight or flight" response, becomes activated. This leads to an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate as the body prepares for physical exertion. Additionally, stress can cause hyperventilation, which is characterized by an increase in breathing rate and a decrease in carbon dioxide levels in the blood. This can lead to a number of symptoms, including light headedness, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Therefore, measuring respiratory rate can provide an indication of an individual's level of stress and can be used as a marker for stress management and treatment.
How do we measure respiratory rates ourselves?
1.Counting method: One of the simplest ways to measure respiratory rate is by counting the number of breaths taken in one minute. To do this, place a hand on the chest or abdomen and count the number of times the chest or abdomen rises and falls within a one-minute period.
2. Watch and count method: Another way to measure respiratory rate is by counting the number of breaths taken in 15 seconds, and then multiplying that number by four. This method is more accurate than counting for one minute.
Measuring respiratory rates can be a valuable outcome measure to track progress of stress management techniques and to indicate how much improvements our health is.
Measure your respiratory rate today!
