For most healthy adults, the normal respiration rate (or rate of breathing) ranges from 12 to 18 breaths per minute (bpm) while at rest. You can determine your own bpm by counting the number of breaths you take over the course of 60 seconds.
Having an abnormal rate of breathing can indicate a health problem or other concern, but changes in respiration rate may also result from less serious issues. However, anyone having trouble breathing is encouraged to visit a doctor immediately to determine the cause.
A respiration rate that is too fast and causes shallow, quick breaths is known as tachypnoea. While this type of breathing is common after physical activity, it can constitute a health concerned when it happens while a person is at rest. In this case, tachypnoea may result from COPD, asthma, and other conditions that affect lung function.
As for bradypnea, it describes a slower than normal respiration rate. Abusing drugs and opioids can reduce a person’s respiration rate, as can hypothyroidism, electrolyte imbalances, and head injuries, particularly those that affect the spinal cord and the lower part of the brain stem.
Along with counting your breaths per minute, the following signs can accompany an abnormal rate of breathing:
Tachypnoea
Bradypnea
These symptoms can be caused by numerous disorders and conditions, so they should be assessed by a doctor immediately to rule out other causes.
The first step is to diagnose the cause of the respiratory issue. From there, doctors can develop a treatment approach for the underlying condition, which can bring the respiration rate back to a normal range.
In the event the respiratory issues do not respond to treatment as expected, doctors can recommend oxygen therapy and pulmonary rehab. These treatments can facilitate better lung function and help patients feel more comfortable.