Respiratory rates normally increase during exercise. The number of breaths we take per minute is a sign of how often our brain is telling our bodies to breathe. If the oxygen level in the blood is low, or if the carbon dioxide level in the blood is high, our body is instructed to breathe more often.

What happens when respiratory rate increases?

Hyperventilation: This may occur due to pain, anxiety, or other conditions. Metabolic acidosis: When the acid level is too high in the blood, breathing rate increases to blow off carbon dioxide. Some causes of this include diabetic ketoacidosis, lactic acidosis, and hepatic encephalopathy.

What does a high respiration rate indicate?

It is accepted that a respiratory rate of above 25 breaths per minute or an increasing respiratory rate can indicate that a patient could be deteriorating (Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK), 2015). A reduction in respiratory rate to 8 or fewer breaths per minute is also indicative of patient deterioration.