Every time you go to the doctor, the first thing they do is check your vital signs. These four initial tests measure the basic functions of your body and are (mostly) regulated by your autonomic nervous system. That’s the command system in your body that makes sure your temperature, blood pressure, pulse and respiratory (breathing) rate remain stable and ongoing. Though normal ranges for these signs vary by age, body weight index and other factors including any preexisting conditions, an abnormality in these areas signals to your healthcare provider that something may be wrong and needs further investigation.
Your respiratory rate is the number of breaths you take per minute. It is a unique vital sign because while it is controlled by your autonomic nervous system, you can also override it, like holding your breath when you go through a tunnel or smell something unpleasant. But you can’t hold your breath forever. Eventually you’ll pass out and your autonomic nervous system takes over again.
The respiratory rate determines how well your body is delivering oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide. However, there are a number of factors that can cause this number to fluctuate including injury, illness or stress. Despite this, it is still a key measurement because an abnormal respiratory rate is often the first indicator of a health problem, far before your doctor will see a change in heart rate or blood pressure. “Checking respiratory rates will assist a doctor to determine what course of action is needed when they are seeing a patient,” explained Jose Arias, MD. Early detection can ensure that intervention occurs before the situation becomes dire.
What Is a Normal Respiratory Rate?
It is best to measure your respiratory rate when at rest, either sitting or lying down. Sometimes waiting in the exam room is helpful in returning your breathing rate to normal after you rushed to your appointment. Your provider will count the number of breaths taken in one minute. Your healthcare provider will observe how many times your chest rises and falls, being sure to note any difficulty or nasal flaring. The normal respiratory rate for an adult at rest is from 12 to 20 breaths per minute. A respiratory rate under 12 or over 25 breaths per minute is cause for concern. People in an abnormal range may experience tachypnea, or rapid, shallow breathing that signals an underlying condition.
For children, respiratory rates will change with age. Newborns and infants will commonly take many more breaths per minute, with 30-60 being normal for the first year. As they grow, their lung capacity increases and so breaths per minute will decrease, with most kids reaching the normal adult range by adolescents (between 14-18).
When to seek medical attention
What Can Affect Respiratory Rate?
While exercising, many people will experience an increased respiratory rate because muscles need more oxygen to fuel the activity. The respiratory rate may increase as the intensity of movement increases, for example running will increase respiratory rate more than walking. But regular physical activity is a good way to improve overall lung capacity and reduce your risk of chronic heart and lung diseases. Once the activity is completed, if you are healthy, your respiratory rate should return to normal.
Emotional factors can also affect breathing rate. Stress and anxiety, for instance, activate your body’s “fight or flight” response resulting in rapid, shallow breathing. Extreme anxiety or panic attacks can even lead to hyperventilation, where fast, deep breathing causes lightheadedness or dizziness. Respiratory rate can return to normal with stress management exercises.
High elevation is another potential cause of an increased respiratory rate. At higher altitudes the air is less dense, meaning there is less available oxygen in the air you are breathing. Your body will compensate for this by increasing the number of breaths you take per minute to ensure you get the oxygen needed.
Smoking is also known to increase breathing rate because inhaling something other than oxygen causes your lungs to work harder. Other substance like alcohol, caffeine and other drugs can also increase your breathing rate. Lastly, pain can cause an increased respiratory rate as a psychological response to a threat.
What Medical Conditions Change Respiratory Rate?
There are many illnesses and chronic diseases that affect your breathing. Heart and lung conditions can restrict airflow and alter lung function over time, causing shortness of breath. Some of these diseases include:
- Even when well-managed, people with asthma may have a harder time moving air in and out of their lungs because of swelling in the airways. During a flare-up, the airways swell even more and can produce extra mucus, which makes breathing more labored, and causes tachypnea. During these flare-ups, respiratory rate may exceed 30 breaths per minute.
- People with COPD may have narrowed airways because they are commonly inflamed, airways that are clogged with mucus or airways and air sacks that lose their ability to stretch, depending on how much the disease has progressed. All these things cause less air to flow into your lungs, and less oxygen to get into the body. Because of this, people with COPD often have a respiratory rate that is higher than normal, closer to 20-30 breaths per minute.
- Heart Disease can cause fluid buildup and inflammation because of reduced blood flow. This, in turn, can cause difficulties breathing and a reduced oxygen supply.
- Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs that causes fluid buildup and inflammation. The body may try to compensate with more breaths per minute, leading to an increased respiratory rate.
- Pulmonary Fibrosis causes permanent scarring in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. As lung tissue becomes thick and stiff, it becomes harder for you to absorb oxygen, so your respiratory rate increases.
How Can You Improve Your Respiratory Rate?
Lung capacity and function can change throughout your lifetime depending on a variety of factors. If the change is concerning, your healthcare provider may suggest a spirometry test to measure your lung capacity and determine if intervention is needed. But anyone hoping to increase lung capacity can employ breathing exercises like diaphragm, pursed-lip or box breathing. You can watch videos on how to perform these exercises on our website or consult a pulmonary rehabilitation specialist.
Lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, doing regular workouts and eating healthily are simple ways to keep your lungs healthy. Additionally, finding ways to decrease stress in your life can help return your respiratory rate to average. “Respiratory rate can be improved by regular aerobic exercise, breathing exercises and by maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking and avoiding pollutants,” Dr. Arias said.
Next time you are in the clinic, feel free to ask your healthcare provider what your respiratory rate is. It’s a great way to start a conversation about how you are breathing and get any questions you have answered.
Blog last updated: August 18, 2025
