How to measure respiration rate

Respiratory rate (pulmonary ventilation rate or ventilation rate, breathing frequency (BF)) is the number of breaths a living being, such as a human, takes within a certain amount of time (frequently given in breaths per minute).

• Newborns: Average 44 breaths per minute
• Infants: 40-60 breaths per minute
• Preschool children: 20–30 breaths per minute
• Older children: 16–25 breaths per minute
• Adults: 12–20 breaths per minute
• Adults during strenuous exercise 35–45 breaths per minute
• Athletes' peak 60–70 breaths per minute

1.  Stethoscope

 It is simply possible to measure number of cycle per minute. 

• this take more time
• accuracy depend upon user

  2.  Multi measurement monitor

  2.1 ECG 

RR Imp Respiration Rate measured using change of Impedance across the ECG leads RA (Right Arm) and LL (Left Leg)

Proper Leads placement

Three Leads Placement 

 

• If values  not shown on monitor Check RA and LA properly place as shown above

  2.2 Side stream CO2 

This also widely used to measure RR of ventilated patients.

CO2 Typical Graph

  Electro Chemical Sensors