The rate of respiration can be defined as the number of breaths one takes for a period of one minute. Just like blood pressure, pulse rate, and body temperature are the vital sign so is the breath rate. Breathing is important as takes the oxygen into the lungs and this oxygen is absorbed into the different tissues of the body to produce energy, the bioproduct is carbon dioxide which is exhaled out of the body. Therefore, if you are facing breathing problems then there is a chance that something is bothering your body. Before we can discuss how you can measure the rate of breathing, it is good that you know the right breathing rate.

What is the Normal Respiratory Range in Adults?

We all can’t indeed have the same breathing rate, but there is the existence of a range that experts suggest is normal. The normal range of respiratory rate ranges between 12 to 18 breaths per minute. At this rate, the amount of carbon dioxide produced as a result of biochemical processes of the body can be exhaled out of all of it. Breathing below 12 breaths and above 18 breaths is considered abnormal.

What is the Normal Respiratory Range in Children?

The rate of respiration in children depends upon the age of that child, below are the normal ranges for your kid. Please note that all ranges are measured for a period of one minute.

From birth to 1 year the child should have a breath rate of between 30 to 60 per minute

Infant of age 1 to 3 years should have a breath rate range of 24 to 40 per minute

3 to 6 years old children should have a breath rate range of 22 to 34

Children between the age of 6 to 12 years should have a breathing rate range of 18 to 30

Finally, children of age 12 to 18 years should have a respiratory rate ranging from 12 to 16

How to Check Breathing Rate at Home?

If you would like to measure the rate of respiration of a given person, it is highly recommended that you do it while that person is resting. This is because any activity can raise the breathing rate significantly high and you may end up misdiagnosing. Let that person sit on a chair in a relaxed posture and start recording your results.

The number of breaths a person takes is calculated through observation of that person’s chest, one breath includes one rise of a chest and a fall of the chest, that is, one inhale and one exhale represent one breath.

To accurately measure the rate of the breath of a particular person it is good you have a stopwatch with you and continue counting until one-minute elapse. You can choose to count the entire one-minute period or you can just stop at the 30-second point and multiply your results by two to get a breathing rate for one minute. If you discover the breathing is not normally based on that person’s age, then it is time to consult a doctor as early as you can.