The Respiration Rate During Exercise

Respiration rate is a vital sign determined by counting the number of times the chest rises in one minute. Adult respiration rates are between 15 to 20 breaths per minute at rest. Exercise increases the oxygen demands of the body resulting in an increase in the respiration rate. A respiration rate above 25 breaths per minute that is accompanied by chest pain, nausea, or dizziness during or after exercise requires immediate medical attention.

Running

Marathon running is a prolonged sustained form of exercise that increases the respiration rate. Increased respiration rate, breathing difficulty and vomiting are symptoms of hyponatremia and are life-threatening. Hyponatremia develops when excess sodium builds up in the blood stream resulting from excessive water intake during exercise. Sodium imbalance causes fluid accumulation in the lungs. Boston hospital doctors examined runners after the Boston marathons of 2001 through 2008 and diagnosed 63 or 4.8 percent of the runners with exercise-associated hyponatremia. Respiration rates increase during running, but if breathing becomes difficult and is accompanied by nausea and vomiting, seek immediate medical attention.

Hockey

Hockey is a physically demanding form of exercise that increases respiration rate. Hockey players who experience persistent breathing difficulties after the game might be suffering from the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning. Faulty ice resurfacing has been associated with 250 cases of reported carbon monoxide poisoning in the past two years, as of 2011. A 2006 study published in the medical journal Lung assessed 16 healthy hockey players. Respiratory complaints developed within 72 hours of being exposed to faulty ice resurfacing. Eight percent were hospitalized and 85 percent required steroids or inhaled bronchodilators. Six months after exposure, 46 percent reported continued breathing difficulties on exertion. Hockey players and parents of junior hockey players should be aware that increased respiration rates that persist after the game is over require medical attention.

Swimming

Swimming under water requires voluntary control of your respiration rate. Competitive swimmers practice repetitive breath-holding to increase performance. Increasing respiration rate prior to swimming removes carbon dioxide. Hyperventilation results in blood oxygen levels decreasing before carbon dioxide levels can stimulate the breathing reflex. Shallow water blackout occurs when the breathing reflex fails to stimulate respiration and the swimmer loses consciousness. Avoid holding your breath for long periods of time when swimming to prevent blackout.

Mountain Climbing

Mountain climbing or skiing in the mountains can produce breathing difficulties. Elevations above 10,000 feet will affect the respiratory rate of 75 percent of individuals. Elevated respiration rate at rest is an indication that you should stop all strenuous activities and prepare to descend to a lower elevation. Increased respiration rate, sever headache, confusion, nausea and vomiting are signs you require medical attention.