What is the respiratory frequency?

Respiratory frequency is a measure of breathing speed. It is usually given in the breath per minute. This is determined by counting how many times the subject inhale in the short period and out, such as 15 seconds, and then multiply the response by four to determine the respiratory frequency. The number of breaths in 30 seconds can be counted instead and then multiplied by two to achieve the total number of breathing per minute, or the breath can be counted for a few minutes.

Normal respiratory speed is variable and depends on several factors. Age and health are two of the most important of them. Breathing is the fastest in infants and decreases with age. Normal respiratory frequencies for healthy adults are anywhere from 8 to 16 breaths per minute. Breathing speed in infants is much faster and average up to 44 breaths per minute. Smaller animals usually breathe faster than larger, but an animal in shock, such as a pet injured by a car or other animal, can breathe significantly faster. If the pet seems to breathe excessively, it isbest contact veterinarians for complete evaluation.

knowing normal breathing speed may be important because changes can signal serious problems, even if this is not always true. Simple things such as anger or fear can change breathing speed as well as physical exercise. The disease often changes respiratory frequency, especially if it is a pulmonary overload, such as cold or flu. Many serious conditions can also affect breathing such as asthma and heart disease, usually because the body is trying to obtain enough oxygen.

It is not possible for a person to accurately measure their own respiratory frequency, as the act of counting itself causes speed to slow down breathing when a person focuses on every breath. An individual who wishes to measure his own breathing rate should ask a friend to count for him when an individual does not focus on counting.If a person is concerned about breathing, it is best to see a doctor for the correct evaluation.