Fast breathing, also known as tachypnea, occurs when a person’s breathing rate increases. It can be a normal response to physical activity or anxiety, but it can also indicate underlying health problems.

In this article, we will explore some of the hidden health concerns associated with fast breathing and how to address them.

What is Tachypnea?

Tachypnea is a respiratory condition characterized by an abnormally rapid breathing rate. For adults, the normal breathing rate is between 12 and 20 breaths per minute.

However, tachypnea occurs when a person’s breathing rate exceeds the upper limit of the range, which is 20 breaths per minute.

Fast breathing can be classified into two types: primary tachypnea and secondary tachypnea. Primary tachypnea is related to the lungs, such as when a person has asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Secondary tachypnea occurs when there is an underlying health problem that affects the body’s overall metabolism, such as fever, anemia, or hyperthyroidism.

What Are the Symptoms of Tachypnea?

Aside from an abnormally fast breathing rate, tachypnea can present several other symptoms, including:.

Shortness of breath or air hunger
Inability to catch one’s breath
Chest pain or discomfort
Nasal flaring
Sweating
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Cyanosis (blue tint to the skin or mucous membranes)

If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a healthcare provider immediately.

What Causes Tachypnea?

There are several causes of tachypnea, which include:.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This condition can cause fast and shallow breathing due to severe inflammation and lung damage.
Asthma. Asthma causes the airways to narrow, making it hard to breathe and leading to fast breathing.
COPD. COPD can lead to tachypnea due to lung damage and inflammation.
Anemia. Anemia is a condition in which your body doesn’t have enough red blood cells, which leads to inadequate oxygen flow to the body’s tissues and can result in fast breathing.
Fever. When the body temperature rises, the breathing rate increases to cope with the additional metabolic demand.
Heart failure. When the heart can’t pump enough blood to supply the body’s organs and tissues, it can lead to shortness of breath and fast breathing.
Hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone which can lead to an increase in metabolism, causing shortness of breath and fast breathing.

How Is Tachypnea Diagnosed?

A healthcare provider will diagnose tachypnea through a combination of physical examination, medical history, and diagnostic tests, such as pulse oximetry, chest X-rays, blood tests, and pulmonary function tests.

How Is Tachypnea Treated?

The treatment for tachypnea depends on the underlying cause. Once the underlying cause is identified, a healthcare provider will develop a treatment plan that suits the patient’s age, health, overall health and the severity of their condition.

Some treatments may include:.

Bronchodilators. These are medications that open up the airways and provide relief for people with asthma or COPD.
Oxygen therapy. Supplemental oxygen may be prescribed when the breathing rate is critically high or when a patient has a low oxygen saturation level.
Corticosteroids. These are medications that reduce inflammation in the lungs and airways and are commonly used to treat asthma.
Antibiotics. Bacterial infections such as pneumonia can cause tachypnea, so a healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.
Blood transfusion. If tachypnea is caused by severe anemia, a patient may need a blood transfusion.
Treatment for heart failure. Treatment for heart failure may include medications to manage the condition, lifestyle changes, and surgery.
Thyroid medication. Hyperthyroidism treatment involves medications to lower thyroid hormone levels.

When to Seek Medical Care?

If you experience fast breathing or shortness of breath, it is important to seek medical care right away. If breathing difficulties are accompanied by chest pain, lightheadedness, or severe sweating, call 911 immediately.

Preventing Tachypnea

There are several measures you can take to prevent tachypnea, which include:.

Avoiding triggers. If you have asthma or COPD, avoid being exposed to cigarette smoke, pollution, and other airborne irritants that can trigger breathing difficulties.
Maintaining a healthy weight. Being overweight can put extra strain on the lungs and heart and exacerbate tachypnea.
Getting vaccinated. The flu vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine can protect against respiratory infections that can cause tachypnea.
Getting medical check-ups regularly. Regular check-ups can help identify underlying health issues early on and prevent them from worsening over time.
Coping with stress. Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, yoga, or meditation can help reduce stress and prevent anxiety that can lead to fast breathing.

Conclusion

Tachypnea may be a symptom of an underlying health problem, and it is important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing fast breathing or shortness of breath.

Being proactive about your health and taking steps to prevent respiratory conditions can improve your overall quality of life.