The respiration rate is the rate at which a person breathes. It
increases with fever and some illnesses. The best time to count the respiration
rate is when a person is resting, perhaps after you take the person's pulse
while your fingers are still on the person's wrist. The person's breathing is
likely to change if he or she knows you are counting it.
- Count the number of times the chest rises in 1
full minute.
- Notice whether there is any sucking in beneath the
ribs or any apparent wheezing or difficulty breathing.
Normal resting respiration rate:
- Newborn to 1 year: 40-60
breaths/minute
- 1 through 6 years: 18-26
breaths/minute
- 7 years through adult: 12-24 breaths/minute
