Respiratory rate is one of the vital signs. When the human being inhales, he takes in oxygen, while he expels carbon dioxide when he exhales. By monitoring this parameter it is possible to make sure that an individual's respiratory tract is functioning and healthy.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Measuring Someone's Breathing Rate
Step 1. Count the number of breaths
Respiration rate is measured in breaths per minute. To correctly detect this number, the person must be at rest; this means that he does not have to breathe faster than normal due to physical activity. It is essential that the subject remain still for at least 10 minutes before undergoing the check.
- Ask the person to sit with their back straight. If you need to measure a baby, have him lie on his back on a solid surface.
- Use a stopwatch to keep track of the minute. Count how many times the person's chest rises and falls within 60 seconds.
- If you tell the person what you are doing, it is possible that they change their breathing rhythm without realizing it. To improve the accuracy of the result, you should repeat the test at least three times and calculate the average value.
- If you don't have enough time, count your breaths over 15 seconds, then multiply the number of breaths by 4. This gives you a rough estimate of your breath rate per minute and is a useful method in emergency situations.
Step 2. Evaluate whether the respiratory rate is within normal limits
Children breathe faster than adults, so compare your value with the number of breaths per minute that is considered normal for the person's age. Here are the benchmarks:
- From 30 to 60 breaths for a newborn between 0 and 6 months of age
- 24 to 30 breaths for a newborn between 6 and 12 months of age
- 20 to 30 breaths for a 1 to 5 year old child
- 12 to 20 breaths for a child aged 6 to 11
- 12 to 18 breaths for individuals over 12 years of age
Step 3. Look for breathing difficulties
If a person is breathing faster or slower than normal and has not been exercising, there is some problem. The other signs of breathing difficulties are:
- The nostrils dilate with each breath
- The skin is bluish
- The ribs and the central part of the chest are retracted
- The person whistles, grunts, or moans while breathing
- His lips and / or eyelids are blue
- The person breathes with the entire shoulder and chest area. This is considered "labored breathing".
Step 4. Check the number of breaths per minute as often as necessary
If you need to monitor an individual's breathing rate, try recounting their breaths every 15 minutes if it is not an emergency. If it is an emergency situation, check your breathing rate every 5 minutes.
- Checking the person's breaths per minute can provide the first signs of a worsening of their condition, shock, or other changes.
- If possible, try to make a note of the person's breathing rate in case you need to go to the hospital.
Part 2 of 2: Getting Medical Help
Step 1. Call 911 if you are in the company of someone with breathing difficulties
Breathing too fast or too slowly indicates a health problem, such as:
- Asthma
- Anxiety
- Pneumonia
- Heart failure
- Overdose
- Fever
Step 2. Provide respiratory assistance
If someone needs help breathing, the doctor has several techniques for delivering oxygen. Here are some examples:
- An oxygen mask. This device is placed over the person's face and releases a higher concentration of oxygen than atmospheric. Natural air contains 21% oxygen, but those with dyspnea need a higher concentration.
- Positive pressure mechanical ventilation continues. Tubes are inserted into the patient's nose through which slightly pressurized oxygen flows. The pressure helps the airways and lungs to stay open.
- Ventilation. This solution involves inserting a tube into the person's mouth and from there pushing it through the windpipe. Oxygen is supplied directly to the lungs.
Step 3. Avoid hyperventilation caused by anxiety
Some people breathe very quickly (called "hyperventilation") when they are anxious or panicked. This behavior causes the feeling of not being able to breathe because the person is inhaling too much oxygen while breathing in too quickly. If someone is experiencing this symptom, you can take action in the following ways:
- Reassure the individual and help him relax. Tell him he's not having a heart attack and he's not going to die. Calm him by saying that everything is fine.
- Guide him through some breathing techniques to reduce the amount of oxygen he is inhaling. You can ask him to breathe into a paper bag, pursue his lips, or close one nostril as he breathes. This restores the balance between oxygen and carbon dioxide within the body.
- Another way to help him relax is to ask him to focus on a single object on the horizon, such as a tree or a building; or you can tell him to close his eyes, to relieve the feeling of panic.
- Get him to get medical attention.
