A normal respiratory rate for adults is between 12 to 18 breaths per minute.
Normal respiratory rates for children depend on their age, with babies and toddlers taking more breaths per minute.
Typically, a normal respiratory rate for newborns is 30 to 60 breaths per minute.
Illustration by Jessica Olah for Verywell Health
Your respiratory rate is the number of breaths you take in a one-minute period while at rest.
It’s important to know how to measure a respiratory rate correctly.
Infants usually have a much faster breathing rate than older children.They can also have what’s called periodic breathing.
With periodic breathing, a child’s average respiratory rate speeds up and slows down.
Periodic breathing can be frightening for a parent.
But it’s usually normal unless your child has other symptoms of an underlying medical condition.
When adults have periodic swings in breathing rates, it can be a sign of a health problem.
Is 30 breaths a minute normal?
For example, having a severe infection leads to more rapid rates.
A head injury, stroke, or overdose may cause slower than normal breathing.
It’s been coinedtheignored vital sign.
Acidosis and asthma can quicken breathing rates in children, too.
This is especially true if you have a condition such as asthma or heart disease.
An increased respiratory rate alone can be a warning sign.
If you’re a healthcare professional, pay close attention to this often-ignored vital sign.
Summary
Your respiratory rate is the number of breaths you take in one minute.
Adults typically breathe at a slower rate than children.
When your breathing rate changes, it may mean your body isn’t getting enough oxygen.
Fever, dehydration, and infection can all speed up your breathing.
So can long-term health conditions like asthma, COPD, and heart problems.
Alcohol, medications, sleep apnea, brain injuries, and metabolic issues can all slow your breathing.
If you notice changes to your respiratory rate, talk to a healthcare professional.
You may be dealing with a health condition that needs treatment.
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