Index
Bradypnea refers to the abnormally slow breathing rate, which varies in older adults and young children.
It is defined as having less than 12 breaths per minute, manifested in people between 12 and 50.
When a patient has bradypnea, it is expected that they may not be receiving enough oxygen due to an underlying medical problem that must be addressed. Specialized health care personnel can begin the diagnostic process to determine why a patient is breathing more slowly than usual.
Causes of Bradipnea
One of the reasons for a patient to breathe slowly is that they are asleep. It is normal when people are sleeping since the body slows down. However, a person awake with a slower respiratory rate is usually a sign of a problem unless the person is doing breathing exercises that may involve deceleration and deepening of the breaths.
A common cause of bradypnea is sedation. Sedative medications can decrease the respiratory rate and substances such as alcohol, which can have a depressive effect on the respiratory system. People who abuse opioids and opioids can also develop bradypnea. Another cause could be a tumor in the brain or high intracranial pressure that affects the areas of the same, involved in the regulation of respiration. Certain metabolic disorders may also be involved with bradypnea.
Patients may also develop respiratory decompensation, where the respiratory system is damaged or endangered and does not function as effectively. This is common in older adults, as their bodies wear out; It can also occur in people with chronic lung conditions and conditions that affect the nervous system. Another cause of bradypnea is kidney failure.
These causes can be dangerous because they limit the oxygen supply by decreasing breathing, and they can endanger other organ systems in the body.
