Doctors assess vital signs during examinations to establish a baseline for patients. Vital signs are also evaluated in emergency medical situations to determine how a person is functioning on the most basic level.
Respiration rate is one of many vital signs medical professionals will assess to better understand their patients. Your respiration rate is the number of breaths you take per minute. An abnormal respiration rate can signal a health issue, which is why it’s such an important metric for healthcare professionals to consider.
Respiration rate is evaluated by counting the number of breaths a person takes over the course of one minute. Doctors assess respiration rate while their patient is at rest, as physical activity can result in a higher rate.
Most adults have a respiration rate between 12 to 16 breaths per minute while at rest. Anything lower than 12 or greater than 25 can indicate a medical issue. Keep in mind that a number of medical issues and ailments can affect respiration rate, including:
If a medical professional determines that your respiration rate falls outside of the norm, they may request additional testing. For instance, a doctor may test your pulmonary function using spirometry, which entails blowing as hard as you can into a mouthpiece.
Doctors may also perform a physical exam focused on your lungs and breathing. The results of testing and exams will determine what type of treatment you require to address breathing issues.
Medical professionals evaluate respiration rate while a person is at rest to get an accurate reading. Testing a person after physical activity will result in a higher rate, which prevents healthcare staff from accurately assessing a patient.
Measuring respiration rate can help you understand how well your lungs are functioning. It can also be the first step to getting effective treatment for any health issues you experience.