Bradypnea

Bradypnea (Greek from bradys, slow + pnoia, breath; British English spelling bradypnoea) refers to an abnormally slow breathing rate. The rate at which bradypnea is diagnosed depends upon the age of the patient.

Age ranges and bradypnea

• Age 0–1 year < 30 breaths per minute
• Age 1–3 years < 25 breaths per minute
• Age 3–12 years < 20 breaths per minute
• Age 12–50 years < 12 breaths per minute
• Age 50 and up < 13 breaths per minute

Bradypnea Symptoms

• Dizziness
• Near-fainting or fainting
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Chest pains
• Shortness of breath
• Memory impairment or confusion
• Tiring easily during any physical activity

Causes of Bradypnea

• Degeneration of heart tissue because of aging
• Damage to tissues in the heart from heart attack or heart disease
• High blood pressure or hypertension
• Congenital heart defect which is disorder present at birth
• Heart tissue infection also known as myocarditis -Complication of heart surgery
• Hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid gland
• Imbalance of electrolytes which are mineral related substances needed for conducting electrical impulses
• Obstructive sleep apnea which is the repeated disruption of breathing during sleep.
• Inflammatory disease, such as lupus or rheumatic fever
• Buildup of iron in the organs known as hemochromatosis
• Medications, such as drugs for other heart rhythm disorders, psychosis as well as high blood pressure

Treatment For Bradypnea

If urgent treatment is needed, supplemental oxygen is given to the individual. Treatment can range from surgery to correcting dangerous intracranial pressure.

See also

• List of terms of lung size and activity
• Respiratory rate

References

Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (2006). Stedman's Medical Dictionary, 28th Edition. Baltimore, Maryland: Julie K. Stegman. p. 250. ISBN 0-7817-3390-1.