Tachypnoea

Tachypnoea
Specialty	Pulmonology
Symptoms	Rapid breathing
Complications	Hypoxia, respiratory failure
Causes	Fever, anxiety, lung disease, heart failure
Diagnostic method	Clinical evaluation, blood tests, imaging
Treatment	Address underlying cause, oxygen therapy
Prognosis	Varies depending on cause
Frequency	Common

Tachypnoea (or tachypnea) is a medical condition characterized by an abnormally rapid breathing rate. It is a common clinical sign that can be indicative of various underlying health issues. The normal respiratory rate for an adult at rest is typically between 12 and 20 breaths per minute. Tachypnoea is generally defined as a respiratory rate greater than 20 breaths per minute in adults.

Causes

Tachypnoea can result from a wide range of conditions, including:

• Fever: An increase in body temperature can lead to an increased respiratory rate as the body attempts to dissipate heat.
• Anxiety: Psychological stress can stimulate the autonomic nervous system, leading to rapid breathing.
• Lung diseases: Conditions such as pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and asthma can cause tachypnoea due to impaired gas exchange.
• Heart failure: Reduced cardiac output can lead to pulmonary congestion and increased respiratory effort.
• Metabolic acidosis: Conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis can cause compensatory hyperventilation.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of tachypnoea involves a thorough clinical evaluation. Key steps include:

• History and Physical Examination: Assessing the patient's medical history and conducting a physical examination to identify potential causes.
• Vital Signs: Measuring the respiratory rate, heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature.
• Blood Tests: Including arterial blood gases (ABG) to assess oxygenation and acid-base status.
• Imaging: Chest X-rays or CT scans may be used to evaluate lung pathology.

Treatment

The management of tachypnoea focuses on addressing the underlying cause. General approaches include:

• Oxygen Therapy: Administering supplemental oxygen to improve oxygenation.
• Medications: Using bronchodilators, antibiotics, or diuretics depending on the underlying condition.
• Supportive Care: Ensuring adequate hydration and monitoring vital signs.

Prognosis

The prognosis of tachypnoea varies widely depending on the underlying cause. Prompt identification and treatment of the root cause are essential for improving outcomes.

Also see

• Dyspnoea
• Hyperventilation
• Respiratory failure
• Hypoxia