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Respiratory rates in pediatric emergency patients

E A Hooker1, D F Danzl, M Brueggmeyer

  • 1Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Kentucky 40292.

The Journal of Emergency Medicine
|July 1, 1992
PubMed

Insights

This study found that normal pediatric respiratory rates are higher than previously reported and decrease with age. The wide variation in normal rates complicates identifying abnormal breathing in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Physiology

Background:

  • Establishing normal respiratory rates in pediatric emergency patients is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
  • Current reported ranges for pediatric respiratory rates may not accurately reflect clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To establish a normal range for respiratory rates in pediatric emergency patients.
  • To investigate the relationship between age and respiratory rate in children.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study of 434 pediatric patients in a suburban emergency department.
  • Respiratory rates measured for one full minute.
  • Exclusion of patients with cardiopulmonary complaints or elevated temperature.

Main Results:

  • Respiratory rates ranged from 12 to 65 breaths/min across ages 2 weeks to 18 years.
  • Respiratory rate showed an inverse relationship with age.
  • A broad range of respiratory rates was observed within each age group.

Conclusions:

  • Normal pediatric respiratory rates are higher than previously published and inversely related to age.
  • The wide variability in normal pediatric respiratory rates presents challenges in identifying abnormal breathing patterns.

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