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Respiratory Rate

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Your respiratory rate is measured in number of breaths per minute. For most people it's typically 12 to 20. The rate increases during exercise, excitement, pain, and fever. It declines during relaxation and sleep. Your doctor may want regular readings of your respiratory rate if you have a lung disease or other illness, or are taking a medicine that can suppress respiration. Often, readings are needed before and after exercise.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

Mere awareness of your breathing is enough to change your respiratory rate, so taking your own count is not recommended. For a more accurate measurement, have someone else take the reading.

To Count Respirations

You'll need a watch or clock with a second hand. Keep count for a full 60 seconds. (If you wish, you may count for 30 seconds and multiply the number by 2.) The person should be seated. Place your hand on the upper chest to feel it rise and fall. Each rise/fall cycle counts as one respiration. Note whether the individual's breathing is deep (slow) or shallow (fast). Write down anything else you notice about the breathing (for example, regularity or irregularity).

Call Your Doctor If...

  • The respiratory rate is faster or slower than your doctor said it should be.

Seek Care Immediately If...

  • The rate is extremely fast or slow.
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