Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Having High Respiratory Rate. Should Be Concerned? Due To Acidosis?
I ve recently noticed that my mum has a high respiratory rate , upon measuring it a few times at rest, the value comes to about 24 breaths per minute, I m wondering if this is a reason for concern? I m a first year medical student so I could be reading too much into this, but I m wondering if it could be hinting towards acidosis?
Sat, 30 Mar 2013
Dear MS. Nutty.neuron,
Im really concerned that your mother is hyperventilating( ie increased respiratory rate above 14breaths/min)
it would have been nice if you would have provided me with other information like, whether it was sudden in onset, is your mother having fever, her age, other associated complaints like Diabetes, hypertension, drugs she is taking etc.
coming to your doubt of acidosis a simple arterial blood gas analysis will give you insight.
im listing out a few common causes of hyperventilation
anxiety, stress, panic attack, asthma, exercise induced and fever.
if her hyperventilation persists, i would advice you to consult a pulmonologist for evaluation. take care. hope your gets well soon.
Im really concerned that your mother is hyperventilating( ie increased respiratory rate above 14breaths/min)
it would have been nice if you would have provided me with other information like, whether it was sudden in onset, is your mother having fever, her age, other associated complaints like Diabetes, hypertension, drugs she is taking etc.
coming to your doubt of acidosis a simple arterial blood gas analysis will give you insight.
im listing out a few common causes of hyperventilation
anxiety, stress, panic attack, asthma, exercise induced and fever.
if her hyperventilation persists, i would advice you to consult a pulmonologist for evaluation. take care. hope your gets well soon.
I find this answer helpful
Hi nutty.neuron
high respiratory rates or tachypnoea can be caused by several physiological and pathologivcal condition.
I wish you have told the full symptomatology of your mother. tachypnoea if pathological is indeed a reason of concern.... may be a sign of infection.
If your concern is acidosis you can go for arterial blood gas analysis and confirm the same.
useful investigation will be ABG, chest xray PA view, complete blood count, blood sugar
best wishes
high respiratory rates or tachypnoea can be caused by several physiological and pathologivcal condition.
I wish you have told the full symptomatology of your mother. tachypnoea if pathological is indeed a reason of concern.... may be a sign of infection.
If your concern is acidosis you can go for arterial blood gas analysis and confirm the same.
useful investigation will be ABG, chest xray PA view, complete blood count, blood sugar
best wishes
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Respiratory rate
Loading Online Doctors....