Breathing is usually automatic and regular. Breathing frequency responds to activity level, with breath slow and deep during sleep and rapid during exercise. When the breathing pattern does not match the active state, that can indicate a problem.
Measuring Breathing Patterns
There are a number of ways to measure breathing patterns. At the simplest level, a practitioner might look at the number of breaths per minute. Breath volume is measured in milliliters per second. A more sophisticated test might monitor the gas exchange with each breath. Another monitor analyzes the physical pattern of the breathing, contrasting the inhale with the exhale. A spirometer measures the flow rate of the breath, both the volume and the speed. They will show a volume-time curve, and a flow-volume loop.
Normal Breathing Patterns
A normal breathing pattern is roughly sinusoidal on a monitor. Fifteen breaths per minute are average for adults. Children's breathing is faster, with infants breathing as many as 60 times per minute. Adults use about 2,200 gallons of air each day. The lungs do not expel all the air in them with an exhale. The amount breathed in plus the amount in reserve is called the "vital capacity." Normal breathing should make almost no noise and should take no effort.
Fast Breathing
Fast breathing is called tachypnea . It can be caused by something healthy, such as exercise, but in the absence of increased activity it still might be due to stress or anxiety. Otherwise, it is something to be concerned about, according to Medline Plus. Many things can cause fast breathing, including chronic conditions, recurrent conditions such as bronchitis, Pneumothorax, when air gets into the pleural spaces in the lungs, or many other conditions. Tachypnea would be a rate higher than normal. Note: tachypnea indicates breathing is rapid and shallow. If breathing is rapid and deep it is more likely hyperventilation.
Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath is known as dyspnea. Dyspnea means that breathing is labored. This uncomfortable condition can occur all day or just at night. According to Merck, if it is not brought on by vigorous exercise, then it is likely associated with heart or lung problems. Obstruction of the airway often comes on suddenly, as in the case of asthma or a pulmonary embolism. Lung disease may show up with decreased ease of breathing over time. Labored breathing may be accompanied by chest pain during a heart attack.
Abnormal Breathing Patterns
Damage in the brain can cause a number of abnormal breathing patterns. For instance, brain stem lesions might be indicated by a deep inhale, followed by holding the breath and then a rapid exhalation. This pattern is called apneustic breathing, according to Doctors Lounge. If the breathing is very fast and very deep there might be damage in the midbrain area. Meningitis might be the cause of fast breathing and is one method of diagnosis of this disease.
Improving Breathing Patterns
Breathing patterns can be improved through medical intervention if there is a pathological condition. Otherwise, healthy people can get into bad breathing habits of breathing too shallowly. Consciously trying to control breathing by making it slower and deeper can reduce stress, improving mood and cognition.
