Rapid shallow breathing

• Alternative Names

  Tachypnea; Breathing - rapid and shallow; Fast shallow breathing; Respiratory rate - rapid and shallow

• Common Causes

  Shallow, rapid breathing has many potential medical causes. A partial list includes:

  • Asthma
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Chest pain
  • Pneumonia or other lung infection
  • Pulmonary embolism
  • Transient tachypnea of the newborn
• Home Care

  Rapid, shallow breathing should not be treated at home and is generally considered a medical emergency.

  If you have asthma or COPD, then use your inhaler medications as prescribed by your doctor. You may still need to be checked by a health care provider right away. Your doctor will explain when it is important to go to the emergency room.

• Call your health care provider if

  Call your doctor right away or go to the emergency room if you are breathing rapidly, especially if you have:

  • Chest pain
  • Fever
  • Never had rapid breathing before
  • Shortness of breath
• What to expect at your health care provider's office

  The health care provider will do a thorough exam of your heart, lungs, abdomen, and head and neck.

  Tests that may be ordered include:

  • Arterial blood gas and pulse oximetry to check your oxygen level
  • Chest x-ray
  • Complete blood count (CBC) and blood chemistries
  • ECG
  • Ventilation/perfusion scan of your lungs

  Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the rapid breathing. Treatment may include oxygen if your oxygen level is too low and nebulized respiratory treatments if you are having an asthma attack.

• References

  Simel DL. Approach to the patient: history and physical examination. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 6.

  Schriger DL. Approach to the patient with abnormal vital signs. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 7.

Review Date: 5/21/2009

Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.