tachypneu

Tachypnea, sometimes written as tachypneu in some sources, is defined as an abnormally rapid rate of breathing. In adults, a respiratory rate greater than about 20 breaths per minute is generally considered tachypnea, while in children the threshold varies with age. Tachypnea can reflect increased respiratory drive, reduced lung compliance, metabolic acidosis, or compensation for hypoxemia. It may occur with normal breathing depth or be accompanied by shallow, rapid breaths and increased work of breathing.

Common causes fall into several categories. Physiologic responses include fever, anxiety, pain, exercise, and altitude. Pulmonary and cardiopulmonary conditions frequently implicated are pneumonia, asthma or COPD exacerbation, pulmonary edema, pulmonary embolism, and atelectasis. Metabolic or systemic processes such as diabetic ketoacidosis, sepsis, shock, or other states causing metabolic acidosis can also produce tachypnea as a compensatory mechanism. Certain medications, toxins, or CNS disorders may alter respiratory drive and contribute to rapid breathing. In infants and young children, tachypnea is a particularly important sign of possible pneumonia or other respiratory illness.

Evaluation typically involves careful measurement of respiratory rate and rhythm, assessment of work of breathing, and monitoring of oxygen saturation. Arterial blood gas analysis, chest imaging, and targeted laboratory tests may be used to identify hypoxemia, acid–base disturbances, infection, or other etiologies. Management centers on treating the underlying cause, providing supplemental oxygen if needed, ensuring airway patency, and close monitoring. Tachypnea is a symptom rather than a diagnosis, and persistent or worsening tachypnea warrants urgent medical assessment.