Bradypnea

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Bradypnea
Synonyms	Bradypnoea
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Abnormally slow breathing rate
Complications	Hypoxia, Hypercapnia
Onset	Can occur at any age
Duration	Varies depending on underlying cause
Types	N/A
Causes	Opioid use, hypothyroidism, brain injury, metabolic disorders
Risks	Respiratory failure, cardiac arrest
Diagnosis	Physical examination, arterial blood gas analysis, pulmonary function test
Differential diagnosis	Sleep apnea, hypoventilation, respiratory depression
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Address underlying cause, oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation
Medication	Naloxone for opioid-induced bradypnea
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Varies
Deaths	Can be life-threatening if untreated

Bradypnea is a respiratory disorder characterized by an abnormally slow breathing rate. The condition is typically defined as a breathing rate of fewer than 12 breaths per minute in adults. Bradypnea can be a symptom of various medical conditions, including respiratory depression, hypothyroidism, and certain neurological disorders.

Causes

Bradypnea can be caused by a variety of conditions and factors. These include:

• Respiratory depression: This is a condition in which the rate and depth of breathing are abnormally low. It can be caused by drugs, such as opioids, or by conditions such as sleep apnea or obesity hypoventilation syndrome.
• Hypothyroidism: This is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. It can slow down the body's metabolic processes, including the breathing rate.
• Neurological disorders: Certain neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease or stroke, can affect the brain's control of the breathing muscles, leading to bradypnea.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of bradypnea is a slower than normal breathing rate. Other symptoms can include:

• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Fainting

Diagnosis

Bradypnea is typically diagnosed through a physical examination and a review of the patient's medical history. The doctor may also order tests such as a chest X-ray, blood tests, or a pulmonary function test to determine the underlying cause of the bradypnea.

Treatment

Treatment for bradypnea typically involves addressing the underlying cause. This may involve medication to treat conditions such as hypothyroidism or respiratory depression, or therapies such as physical therapy or respiratory therapy for conditions such as neurological disorders.

See also

• Tachypnea
• Respiratory rate
• Hyperventilation