Your respiratory rate refers to the number of breaths you take in one minute.
Breathing is controlled by receptors at the base of the brain. These receptors detect low oxygen or high carbon dioxide levels and co-ordinate with the breathing muscles to increase or decrease the breathing rate.
Normal respiratory rates vary from 12 to 20 breaths per minute at rest for most adults. Rates below 12 or above 20 may mean a disruption in normal breathing processes.
A fast breathing rate can indicate a variety of things.
Causes of a high respiratory rate
Anxiety: you may breathe faster when you are anxious or afraid. The fast breathing usually passes once the anxiety is gone. Fast breathing, or hyperventilation, is also a common symptom of panic attacks.
Strenuous physical activity: during intense exercise there is an increase in carbon dioxide as the body uses up more oxygen. This causes you to breathe faster to increase oxygen and get rid of the carbon dioxide.
Fever: body temperature increases can speed up your respiratory rate. This increase is the body’s way of trying to get rid of the excess heat.
Respiratory conditions: conditions that can increase the respiration rate include:
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- asthma
- pneumonia
- carbon monoxide poisoning
- pleural effusion
- pulmonary embolism
Heart problems: If the heart can’t pump oxygen to the body’s organs properly, the body may react by breathing faster to compensate for the lack of oxygen and excess carbon dioxide.
Obesity: Obesity can lead to changes in the way you breathe. Excess fat around your neck and abdomen can put pressure on the breathing muscles which can affect your lung function. This can result in shortness of breath and rapid breathing.
Dehydration: Dehydration can increase your breathing rate as the body tries to get energy to the cells.
Allergic reactions: An allergic reaction can cause wheezing, shortness of breath, and rapid breathing.
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA): This is a serious condition where your body doesn’t produce enough insulin, resulting in a buildup of acids called ketones in your body. DKA can lead to rapid breathing to compensate for the buildup of ketoacids in the body.
A fast respiratory rate may be a sign of a medical concern and it is always a good idea to get a doctor’s diagnoses.
https://www.medical newstoday.com/ articles/324409 #abnormal-rates
https://my.cleveland clinic.org/health/ diseases/8619-anaphylaxis
https://www.mja.com.au/ journal/2008/188/ 11/respiratory-rate-neglected-vital-sign
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