Bradypnea

Last reviewed by Dr.Mary on August 7th, 2018.

What is Bradypnea?

This is an unusually slow rate of breathing. It is characterized as under 12 breaths per minute for anyone amid the ages of 12 to 50. The rates of breathing differ for older adults as well as younger children. If an individual has this problem, it means that the individual is not receiving the proper amount of oxygen, as well as it can be an indication of underlying medical problems that need to be dealt with. Many care providers may be involved to diagnosis why an individual is breathing slower than normal.


One of the reasons for an individual to be breathing slower is when he/she is asleep. The slowing down of breathing is typical when individuals are sleeping since their body totally slows down. But, in some people who are awake, a slow respiratory rate is normally a symptom of a crisis except if the individual is conducting breathing exercises that can involve deepening and slowing the breaths.

Bradypnea Causes

There are many causes of bradycardia such as anything which disrupts the normal electrical impulses which control the rate of the heart’s pumping action. There are many things which can cause or contribute to problems with the heart’s electrical system, including:

  • Degeneration of heart tissue because of aging
  • Damage to tissues in the heart from heart attack or heart disease
  • High blood pressure or hypertension
  • Congenital heart defect which is disorder present at birth
  • Heart tissue infection also known as myocarditis
  • Complication of heart surgery
  • Hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid gland
  • Imbalance of electrolytes which are mineral related substances needed for conducting electrical impulses
  • Obstructive sleep apnea which is the repeated disruption of breathing during sleep.
  • Inflammatory disease, such as lupus or rheumatic fever
  • Buildup of iron in the organs known as hermochromatosis
  • Medications, such as drugs for other heart rhythm disorders, psychosis as well as high blood pressure

A general reason for bradypnea is sedation. Drugs which have a sedative effect lessen the rate of respiration, as can other substances such as alcohol that has a depressive result on the respiratory system. Those individuals who abuse opiads as well as opiates may also develop bradypnea. Another reason for bradypnea can be a tumor in the brain or intracranial pressure which is high and shocks the areas in the brain which are involved in regulating breathing. There are also some metabolic disorders which also can be involved in bradypnea.

Individuals may also develop “respiratory decompensation”, where the system of respiration is compromised or damaged and does not work as well as it should. This is very common in older adults, as their bodies begin to wear down and it can also occur in those with chronic lung conditions and conditions involving the nervous system. Additional cause of this problem is renal failure. All of these conditions can be perilous, not only because they limit the oxygen supplies because of slow breathing, but they also can cause danger to other organ systems in the body.

Bradypnea Symptoms

If an individual has bradycardia, the brain as well as other organs can not get the amount of oxygen they require. Because of this, the individual may experience the below symptoms:

  • Dizziness
  • Near-fainting or fainting
  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Chest pains
  • Shortness of breath
  • Memory impairment or confusion
  • Tiring easily during any physical activity

A resting heart rate slower than 60 beats per minute can be very normal for some individuals, especially for healthy, young adults as well as trained athletes. In these examples, bradycardia is not considered a problem with health.

There are numerous conditions which can cause symptoms as well as signs of bradycardia. It is very important to get an accurate and prompt diagnosis as well as appropriate care. See your primary care physician if you or your child has any bradycardia symptoms.

Bradypnea Treatment

Urgent treatment for bradypnea involves giving the individual supplemental oxygen. Other treatments of bradycardia will depend on the type of electrical conduction problems, how severe the symptoms as well as the cause of the slow heart rate.

If there is an underlying disorder, for example hypothyroidism or sleep apnea, which is causing bradycardia, then treatment of the disorder, may correct any breathing problems.

Treatments may include everything from surgery to correcting dangerously intracranial pressure which is too high, to stay in a rehab program for addiction problems. If the underlying condition is one such as brain tumor or kidney failure, healthcare providers may need to monitor the individual carefully for any signs of labored or slowed breathing.

Since there are a number of drugs which can cause bradycardia, the doctor will need to check all medications the individual is taking and can propose alternative treatments. The problem can be corrected by changing drugs or lowering dosages. When alternative treatments are not possible and these symptoms need treatment, then a pacemaker is necessary.

A pacemaker is a device operated by a battery and is about the size of a cell phone which is implanted under the collarbone. Wires from this device are threaded thru veins as well as into the heart. Electrodes at the end of these wires are attached to heart tissues. This pacemaker can supervise the heart rate as well as creates electrical impulses as needed to keep the suitable rate.

Many pacemakers can also capture as well as record information which the cardiologist can use to monitor the heart. The individual will have regular follow-up visits to have the heart checked and ensure the pacemaker is properly functioning.

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