? about asthma and RR ctxt

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Feb 5, 2005

Normal respiratory rate for teenagers and adults is 16-20, whether asthmatic or not. If an attack is imminent, the RR will often increase slightly, but in a full-blown episode it can be very rapid, depending on the severity of the symptoms. I've seen children with respiratory rates approaching 80, and even adults with rates >60 (that was in cases of impending respiratory failure, and most of these patients wound up on a ventilator).

Sometimes asthma patients get so used to being short of breath that they 'normally' breathe faster than average. This does not constitute good control; if you're using a rescue inhaler more often than once or twice a week, or if you find yourself getting winded and feeling you need to breathe faster to compensate, you really should see your doctor. :)

tagaBohol_RN · Feb 5, 2005

I was wondering what are avg. RR for asthama sufferers is???
should and adolescent have 19 - 26 RR?
This is under control asthma.
Please help.

The average RR is 16 - 20, anything above that is already tachypnea. Which for an asthmatic means poor control. MAybe you would need to go to your doctor, or pulmonologist. Usually, in order to gain better control, he would usually give an inhaled corticosteroid combination with a bronchodilator to address the bronchoconstriction and inflammation that is the problem with asthma.

zumalong · Feb 5, 2005

As a severe asthmatic and 20 year RN-- the peak flow rates should be done at least once a day. This is the best indication of any change in resp. status for an asthmatic. It must be done for a while--when the patient feels well to determine what is ave for each ind. If it drops 10% then something is going on with asthma. I can usually tell if I am needing more meds by monitoring this. Sounds like she (he?) needs to see an asthma Dr. (I didn';t find the pulmonologist as helpful). Good luck. Feel free to PM me with any questions. I am the queen of asthma.