Evaluating the respiratory rate is one of the main elements to control the health of patients in hospitals. For this, we need to have systems and monitors capable of monitoring what is one of the main vital signs, either manually or automatically.

What is respiratory rate?

Respiratory rate is the number of breaths, inspiration followed by expiration,   that any person takes per minute. It is one of the main vital signs, along with blood pressure, pulse, and temperature. The respiratory rate changes depending on many factors of health and activity, and also differs in adults and children.

When a person inhales, oxygen enters their lungs and travels to their organs. As you exhale, carbon dioxide leaves the body. A normal respiratory rate plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body.

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Respiratory rate in adults

The normal respiratory rate for an adult person is between 12 and 20 breaths per minute. At this respiratory rate, carbon dioxide leaves the lungs at the same rate that the body produces it. Respiratory rates lower than 12 or higher than 20 can mean an alteration of the normal respiratory processes, which we will talk about in this article later.

The respiratory rate during rest is about 15 inspirations (inhalations) and expirations (exhalations) per minute.

Generally, it is measured while at rest. It simply involves counting the number of breaths in one minute by counting the number of times the chest rises.

Of course, this respiratory rate is increased by exercising, having a fever, being sick, or having other medical conditions.

How is respiratory rate measured?

To take an accurate measurement, the easiest thing to do is to sit down and relax, preferably on the bed or on a chair. You can then measure your respiratory rate by counting the number of times your chest or abdomen rises in one minute. A full breath comprises an inhalation as the chest rises, followed by an exhalation as the chest falls.

Why is it so important to measure respiration?

Measuring the respiratory rate of a person at rest is essential to basically determine if it is within normal limits. Because a high or low respiratory rate can be a sign of an underlying problem.

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Causes and problems in respiratory rate

If we talk about causes of high respiratory rate , doctors call tachypnea a respiratory rate greater than 20 breaths per minute.

The most common causes are:

• Anxiety
• Fever
• respiratory conditions
• COPD, asthma, or pneumonia
• carbon monoxide poisoning
• pleural effusions
• pulmonary embolism
• Heart problems
• dehydration
• Allergic reactions
• Diabetic cetoacidosis

In the case of low respiratory rate, doctors call a respiratory rate less than 12 breaths per minute bradypnea. Among its causes are:

• Airway obstructions and cardiac arrest
• Drug overdose
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Head injury

Thus, if anyone experiences abnormal breathing rate, they should contact their doctor, and especially seek immediate medical help if they notice abnormal breathing rate, chest pain, bluish skin, gurgling sounds during breathing, or if breathes very few times per minute.

Control respiratory rate in hospitals and health centers

Healthcare facilities have devices and machines, such as respirometers and vital signs monitors, that measure respiratory rate by assessing the ratio of oxygen to carbon dioxide exchange.

In hospitals, the procedure of taking the respiratory rate is very common and frequent. The goal is usually:

• Part of the routine taking of a patient’s vital signs and detecting changes in them.
• Assess breathing before and after the administration of a medication.
• Control patients with risks of respiratory alteration.
• Detect changes in breathing to act accordingly and prevent further damage.
• Usually, this is done only with a watch with a second hand and notepad to record said frequency. Another method is auscultation with a stethoscope, it is the recommended method in pediatrics.

In this case, we are talking about specific measurements, whether they are routine or not. But what happens when we need constant measurement of respiratory rate and other vital signs?

When a patient is admitted, either in the ICU, UVI, day ward, operating room, etc. Health professionals need to have devices that measure the patient’s respiratory rate 24/7. Whether it is for digital respiratory rate measurement in routine vital signs monitoring, or comprehensive monitoring —from basic vital signs capture to early warning scoring and interval monitoring.

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EQUIMED equipment to measure and monitor respiratory rate

At Equimed, we have the best solutions for the automatic measurement of respiratory rate. By combining the Connex Control Monitor with Masimo RRp technology , digital respiratory rate measurement can be included in routine vital signs monitoring with the option of incorporating them into the early warning scale protocol.

The Connex Spot Monitor is a comprehensive monitoring system, ranging from basic vital sign capture to early warning scoring and interval or continuous monitoring. It enables full vital signs in less than a minute, vivid, easy-to-use touchscreen, and is customizable to the user’s needs with an upgradable design and custom settings.

With this device, omissions and transcription errors are reduced with the automatic transfer of the vital signs of the patients, and it is designed by and for healthcare personnel in order to increase the efficiency and satisfaction of the users. In turn, the optional clinical login screen that allows you to restrict access and protect health information. And it has automatic deletion of patient data after sending it to the RME system.

Connex^® Vital Signs Monitor

For its part, Connex Vital Signs Monitor is a simple solution for continuous monitoring, by intervals and spot check, designed to facilitate the capture of the patient’s vital signs. This device allows you to wirelessly send vital signs from the patient’s bed to your EMR without intermediary steps.

If you want more information about monitoring equipment, or request a personalized quote, do not hesitate to contact Equimed.