“RESP” is a common medical abbreviation for “respiration” or “respiratory rate.” It is one of the four main vital signs, alongside body temperature, pulse rate, and blood pressure, that healthcare professionals monitor. The respiratory rate indicates overall health, showing how well the body takes in oxygen and expels carbon dioxide.
Defining Respiratory Rate and Its Measurement
The respiratory rate is the count of breaths a person takes per minute. This process is primarily involuntary, controlled by the brain’s respiratory center. While largely automatic, individuals can consciously influence breathing, such as by holding their breath.
A single breath includes both inhalation and exhalation. Healthcare professionals measure respiratory rate by discreetly observing the rise and fall of a person’s chest or abdomen over a minute, typically while the individual is at rest. This method helps ensure an accurate reading, as conscious awareness can alter breathing patterns.
Normal Ranges and Variations
For a healthy adult at rest, a typical respiratory rate ranges from 12 to 20 breaths per minute. These figures can fluctuate based on several factors. Age influences normal rates, with infants and young children generally having higher respiratory rates than adults.
Physical activity increases the respiratory rate as the body demands more oxygen. Emotional states, such as stress or anxiety, can also temporarily increase breathing speed. During sleep, the respiratory rate naturally slows, becoming lowest during deep sleep. These variations are normal physiological responses.
What Changes in Respiratory Rate Indicate
Deviations from the normal respiratory rate can signal underlying medical conditions. An abnormally high rate, known as tachypnea, involves rapid, often shallow, breathing. This occurs when the body compensates for low oxygen or high carbon dioxide. Causes include infections like pneumonia, fever, asthma attacks, anxiety, dehydration, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary embolism, and sepsis.
Conversely, an abnormally low respiratory rate, termed bradypnea, refers to breathing slower than typical. This slower rate may indicate certain medications, particularly opioids, which depress the respiratory system. Head injuries or neurological disorders affecting the brain’s breathing control center can also cause bradypnea. Other causes include severe sleep apnea, metabolic imbalances, or an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). These changes indicate an imbalance or dysfunction and warrant further medical investigation.
When to Consult a Doctor
Seek medical attention if your respiratory rate consistently falls outside the normal range for your age, especially with other concerning symptoms. These symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, a bluish tint to the lips or skin, or confusion. Sudden or unimproved breathing changes also prompt medical evaluation.
Professional medical advice is important for evaluation, as self-diagnosis based solely on respiratory rate is not recommended. A healthcare provider can determine the underlying cause of abnormal breathing patterns and recommend appropriate treatment. Early detection and intervention are important for managing health issues.