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Rapid shallow breathing

Tachypnea; Breathing - rapid and shallow; Fast shallow breathing; Respiratory rate - rapid and shallow

 

A normal breathing rate for an adult at rest is 8 to 16 breaths per minute. For an infant, a normal rate is up to 44 breaths per minute.

Tachypnea is the term that your health care provider uses to describe your breathing if it is too fast, especially if you have fast, shallow breathing from a lung disease or other medical cause.

The term hyperventilation is usually used if you are taking rapid, deep breaths. This can be due to lung disease or because of anxiety or panic. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably.

Causes

 

Shallow, rapid breathing has many possible medical causes, including:

  • Asthma
  • Blood clot in an artery in the lung
  • Choking
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD ) and other chronic lung diseases
  • Heart failure
  • Infection in the smallest air passages of the lungs in children ( bronchiolitis )
  • Pneumonia or other lung infection
  • Transient tachypnea of the newborn
  • Anxiety

 

Home Care

 

Rapid, shallow breathing should not be treated at home. It is generally considered a medical emergency (unless anxiety is the only cause).

If you have asthma or COPD, use your inhaler medicines as prescribed by your provider. You may still need to be checked by a provider right away if you have rapid shallow breathing. Your provider will explain when it is important to go to the emergency room.

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you are breathing rapidly and you have:

  • Bluish or grayish color to the skin, nails, gums, lips, or the area around the eyes (cyanosis)
  • Chest pain
  • Chest that is pulling in with each breath
  • Fever
  • Labored or difficult breathing
  • Never had rapid breathing before
  • Symptoms that are getting more severe

 

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

 

The provider will do a thorough exam of your heart, lungs, abdomen, and head and neck.

Tests that may be ordered include:

  • Arterial blood gas and pulse oximetry to check your oxygen level
  • Chest x-ray
  • Chest CT scan
  • Complete blood count (CBC) and blood chemistries
  • ECG
  • Ventilation/perfusion scan of your lungs

Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the rapid breathing. Treatment may include oxygen if your oxygen level is too low and nebulized respiratory treatments if you are having an asthma or a COPD attack.

 

 

References

Kraft M. Approach to the patient with respiratory diseases. In: Goldman L, Schafer Al, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 83.

 
  • Diaphragm - illustration

    The diaphragm is a thin dome-shaped muscle which separates the thoracic cavity (lungs and heart) from the abdominal cavity (intestines, stomach, liver, etc.). It is involved in respiration, drawing downward in the chest on inhalation, and pushing upward in exhalation.

    Diaphragm

    illustration

  • Diaphragm and lungs - illustration

    The diaphragm, located below the lungs, is the major muscle of respiration. It is a large, dome-shaped muscle that contracts rhythmically and continually, and most of the time, involuntarily. Upon inhalation, the diaphragm contracts and flattens and the chest cavity enlarges. This contraction creates a vacuum, which pulls air into the lungs. Upon exhalation, the diaphragm relaxes and returns to its domelike shape, and air is forced out of the lungs.

    Diaphragm and lungs

    illustration

  • Respiratory system - illustration

    Air is breathed in through the nasal passageways, travels through the trachea and bronchi to the lungs.

    Respiratory system

    illustration

    • Diaphragm - illustration

      The diaphragm is a thin dome-shaped muscle which separates the thoracic cavity (lungs and heart) from the abdominal cavity (intestines, stomach, liver, etc.). It is involved in respiration, drawing downward in the chest on inhalation, and pushing upward in exhalation.

      Diaphragm

      illustration

    • Diaphragm and lungs - illustration

      The diaphragm, located below the lungs, is the major muscle of respiration. It is a large, dome-shaped muscle that contracts rhythmically and continually, and most of the time, involuntarily. Upon inhalation, the diaphragm contracts and flattens and the chest cavity enlarges. This contraction creates a vacuum, which pulls air into the lungs. Upon exhalation, the diaphragm relaxes and returns to its domelike shape, and air is forced out of the lungs.

      Diaphragm and lungs

      illustration

    • Respiratory system - illustration

      Air is breathed in through the nasal passageways, travels through the trachea and bronchi to the lungs.

      Respiratory system

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

      Self Care

       

        Tests for Rapid shallow breathing

         

           

          Review Date: 6/22/2015

          Reviewed By: Denis Hadjiliadis, MD, MHS, Associate Professor of Medicine, Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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