Bradypnea

Bradypnea or bradypnoea is abnormally slow breathing. The respiratory rate at which bradypnea is diagnosed depends on the age of the patient.

Age ranges

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

Symptoms

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

Causes

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^[1]
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 as well as high blood pressure and narcotic pain medications may also reduce respiratory rate

Treatment

If urgent treatment is needed, supplemental oxygen is given to the individual. Treatments can range from surgery to correct dangerous intracranial pressure, to stays in rehabilitation facilities for addiction problems.

Etymology and pronunciation

The word bradypnea uses combining forms of brady- + -pnea, from (Greek from bradys, slow + pnoia, breath. See pronunciation information at dyspnea.

References

Stegman, Julie K. (2006). Stedman, Thomas Lathrop (ed.). Stedman's Medical Dictionary (28th ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. p. 250. ISBN 0781733901.

^ Williams, Mark. "The Basic Geriatric Respiratory Examination." Medscape. 25 Nov 2009.

[1] Williams, Mark. "The Basic Geriatric Respiratory Examination." Medscape. 25 Nov 2009.

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