The respiratory rate is defined as the number of breaths per minute. The average adult takes between 12 and 20 breaths per minute while resting. An elevated respiratory rate is considered to be more than 20 breathes a minute at rest
Abnormal breathing is caused when oxygen levels do not meet the body’s demand or carbon dioxide levels get too high. This can be caused by a variety of medical or non-medical reasons.
Diseases and conditions such as:
- Respiratory diseases
- Heart problems
- Fever
- Infection
- Dehydration
- Allergic reactions
- Injuries
- Anxiety
- Strenuous physical activity
In these conditions, the fast breaths help increase the oxygen and lower the carbon dioxide (for example in strenuous physical activity, anxiety or a panic attack, heart problems, respiratory diseases) or to cool the body (following a fever).
Non-medical reasons like:
- Drinking alcohol in the evening.
- Caffeine
- Certain drugs
- Smoking marijuana.
- High altitude
- Poor air quality.
The link between abnormal breathing and diabetes
A large study that examined the link between diabetes and the lungs found that if you have diabetes, you are more likely to have respiratory diseases. Diabetes weakens your immune system and leaves you at greater risk of serious infections such as pneumonia. Some studies show that diabetes also has an impact on lung function, or how well you breathe.
There is also a connection between diabetes and shortness of breath. Shortness of breath can occur when your blood glucose is either dangerously high or low, and it can also indicate a serious complication of diabetes called diabetic ketoacidosis(DKA).
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication of diabetes when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin and is not able to process glucose properly. This can lead to dehydration, which, in turn, can cause your body to start breaking down fat for energy at a rapid rate causing a build-up of acids called ketones. This is a trigger to start breathing faster to expel as much carbon dioxide as possible.
A fast respiratory rate may be a sign of another health issue that diabetes has put you at greater risk for, such as kidney failure or heart attack.
If you have diabetes and experience shortness of breath, it’s important to see a healthcare professional immediately for evaluation and treatment.
https://www.whoop.com/thelocker/ what-causes-an-increased-respiratory-rate
https://www.healthgrades.com/ right-care/diabetes/ how-diabetes-affects-your-lungs
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/ articles/324409#abnormal-rates
https://www.healthline.com/ health/kussmaul-breathing#symptoms
https://www.verywellhealth.com/ diabetes-and-shortness-of-breath-5114863
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