The respiration rate is the number of breaths someone takes in a minute. Healthy adults breathe between 12–20 breaths per minute. At this rate, carbon dioxide leaves the lungs at the same rate that the body produces it. Breathing is coordinated by receptors in the brain which send signals to your respiratory muscles in response to oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. Breathing rates of below 12 or above 20 may mean a problem with normal breathing processes.
What causes a slow respiration rate?
A slow respiration rate for an adult is classified as a breathing rate of fewer than 12 breaths per minute. It can happen when you are awake or during sleep. An abnormally slow respiration rate could be the symptom of an underlying physical problem or health condition, including:
- Worsening of an underlying chronic lung disease like chronic obstructive airways disease.
- Hormonal imbalances: for example, having a condition that affects the thyroid may mean that the body cannot produce enough hormones to keep the metabolism working at the optimal level. This can result in a slower breathing rate.
- Drug overdose: alcohol, strong opiate-based pain killers, and benzodiazepines can depress the breathing drive in the brain, leading low respiration rates1.
- Sleep apnea: this is a condition where the soft tissues in the throat are too relaxed and cause a temporary blockage of the airway. This causes brief pauses in breathing and may decrease the respiratory rate2.
- Head injury and brain stem problems: If a head injury affects the part of the brain that coordinates breathing there may be a decrease in the respiratory rate. Likewise, if there are problems in the brain such as clots, stroke, and tumors, these can affect the rate of breathing.
Symptoms of slow breathing
Slow breathing may cause lightheadedness, dizziness, tiredness, weakness, and confusion.
If you are experiencing an abnormal slow breathing rate, you should contact your doctor for assessment.
If you have any of the following, seek immediate assistance:
- Chest pain
- Cyanosis (blue/gray lips or fingertips)
- Gurgling sounds when breathing
- Taking very few breaths per minute
1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ books/NBK470415/
2 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ pmc/articles/PMC4549693/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/ articles/324409#causes-of-low-rates
https://www.sciencedirect.com/ topics/medicine-and-dentistry/bradypnea
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