The number of breaths you take per minute. The normal at-rest Breathing Rate is 12 to 20 breaths per minute for a healthy adult. In general, breathing rates are slightly faster in women than men.
When you inhale, oxygen enters your lungs and circulates to the various internal organs. When you exhale, carbon dioxide moves out of the body. A normal Breathing Rate plays a critical role in keeping the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide even in the body. If the oxygen level in the blood is low, or if the carbon dioxide level in the blood is high, your Breathing Rate increases.
Various factors affect the Breathing Rate, including injuries, exercise, fever, anxiety, emotions, mood, alcohol, medication, metabolic issues, and medical conditions. A high or low rate might be the result of an activity and therefore does not indicate that there is anything wrong. However, in other cases, such as various diseases, injuries, dehydration, or heart problems, a change in the Breathing Rate may occur that can be considered abnormal, thereby necessitating medical attention.
Knowing your Breathing Rate can help your doctor provide you with medical advice. If your Breathing Rate changes or if you feel that your breathing is too fast or too slow, speak to a doctor about your symptoms. |
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