Tachypnea: what it is, types, causes, symptoms and treatment

If you have a feeling that breathing is difficult, and a lump has formed in your throat, then the situation may not be so harmless. It may seem that these sensations of lack of air are accompanied by pain in the chest and heart. In such cases, anxiety and sudden fear appear.

But, most often, such symptoms are not related to lung or heart diseases. This is a manifestation of the so-called hyperventilation syndrome, which appears against the background of psychogenic breathing disorder and is a common cause of apnea.

Briefly about the normal mechanism of breathing regulation

It has been scientifically proven that breathing is the only aspect of life support that a person can control. For example, we have the power to hold our breath or speed it up. The mechanism of conscious control manifests itself, in particular, when inflating a balloon, and the unconscious control mechanism - during sleep, for example, or when attention is switched to something else.

What is tachypnea?

Tachypnea is defined as an increased respiratory rate, or more simply, rapid breathing. Normal breathing rate can vary depending on age and activity, but is usually between 12 and 20 breaths per minute for a resting adult.

Unlike the term hyperpnea, which refers to rapid, deep breathing, tachypnea refers to rapid, shallow breathing.

Let's consider the physiological causes of tachypnea, as well as the diseases in which it can occur.

Links[edit]

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3. Martin E.A., ed. (2003). Oxford Concise Medical Dictionary
   (6th ed.). Oxford University Press. pp. 333–4. ISBN 0-19-860753-9.
4. "tachypnea". Dorland's Medical Dictionary for Health Care Consumers
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5. ^ B s d e g GP
   , Gern JE, Moyer SC, Lindstrom MJ, Lynch SV, Wald ER (April 2021).
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Tachypnea vs dyspnea

As noted, tachypnea is a term used to describe rapid, shallow (shallow) breathing, but this does not say anything about what a person is feeling. With tachypnea, a person may experience severe shortness of breath or, conversely, a person may not notice any difficulty breathing at all.

Shortness of breath (dyspnea) is a term that also describes rapid breathing, but refers to the feeling of not having enough air.

Dyspnea can occur with a normal respiratory rate, a high respiratory rate, or a low respiratory rate. It can also occur with both shallow and deep breathing.

Prehospital care

With the sudden development of tachypnea, but in the absence of specialized medical care, it is necessary to help the patient reduce the manifestations of the main symptoms and prevent a deterioration in the general condition:

• loosen the tight collar and unfasten the belt;
• open a window or take the person outside to provide fresh air;
• the patient himself will choose a position that is convenient for him (lying, half-sitting, sitting);
• limit food and water intake;
• call an ambulance.

Physiological reasons

Physiological causes of a condition refer to the body's normal response to eliminating another condition. In this case, a condition such as tachypnea is not an abnormal response of the body, but a normal response to another type of abnormal condition or imbalance in the body.

Tachypnea can be caused by three main physiological processes:

• Imbalance between respiratory gases in the body . Low levels of oxygen in the blood (hypoxemia) or elevated levels of carbon dioxide in the blood (hypercapnia) can cause tachypnea.
• Acid-base balance in the body . Tachypnea can be caused by excess acid in the body or a decrease in the alkaline environment in the body (acid-base imbalance). When the body senses that the blood is too acidic (i.e. metabolic acidosis), it releases carbon dioxide from the lungs in an attempt to rid the body of acid.
• Fever (heat) . High fever for any reason can cause tachypnea. During a fever, rapid, shallow breathing is a compensatory phenomenon, which means that the breathing rate increases to eliminate heat from the body.

In these examples, tachypnea is not an abnormal occurrence, but rather the body's way of compensating for another abnormality in the body to maintain balance (i.e., homeostasis).

Loss of body weight in the first days after birth

All babies lose weight in the first days after birth. This condition is called “transient loss of initial body weight” and is observed regardless of the child’s body weight at birth. It is believed that the main reason for the initial loss of body weight is the restructuring of the child’s metabolism, ridding the body of excess fluid and original feces (meconium). The maximum loss of initial body weight is usually observed on days 3-4 of life. Loss of initial body weight is calculated as a percentage of birth weight. With a satisfactory course of pregnancy and childbirth; under optimal conditions of feeding and nursing in healthy full-term newborns, the loss of initial body weight, as a rule, does not exceed 6%.

However, under some circumstances, the initial loss of body weight can be quite impressive. Factors contributing to significant losses of initial body weight are: prematurity, high birth weight, prolonged labor, lack of maternal milk, late breastfeeding, high temperature and insufficient ambient humidity. It has also been noted that if the mother received intravenous fluids during labor, her baby will experience a significant initial loss of body weight.

It is important to note that as soon as the loss of body weight in a child reaches significant figures and goes beyond the average values ​​(for example, more than 6% of body weight at birth), both parents and doctors immediately begin to panic and the child has an irresistible desire for something. then supplement the feeding (with formula, of course). But there is no need to rush with the mixture.

Today, it is believed that weight loss of up to 10% does not require interventions such as supplemental nutrition or parenteral fluid administration. Only with the third degree of severity of weight loss (more than 10%) can a child experience clinical signs of dehydration and other disorders that require medical intervention and specific correction.

Therefore, the main prevention of large loss of initial body weight is the proper organization of breastfeeding and care of the newborn. The first measure in this series is early attachment of the baby to the breast. It has been proven that the earlier the baby is attached to the breast, the less his initial loss of body weight. Therefore, within the first 30 minutes after birth, the baby should be attached to the breast. Frequent feeding and proper attachment of the baby to the breast are the key to effective sucking and sufficient calorie intake for the baby, which reduces the numbers of initial weight loss

It is also important when caring for a child to maintain temperature conditions and prevent the child from overheating.

Restoration of body weight at birth after transient weight loss usually occurs on the 6-7th day of life in 75-80% of newborns. However, in other healthy children, restoration of initial body weight can be observed by the 15th day after birth. This also brings some confusion and unnecessary worry into the lives of parents. They think that the child needs to be given formula and everything will work out. But this impression is wrong and can lead to a lot of problems. To prevent this from happening, you first need to make sure that the baby is getting enough milk. Only if the child really does not receive enough milk, but all the rules of breastfeeding are followed, can one think that the mother has delayed lactation or hypogalactia. Only in these cases are there good reasons to give the child formula.

Diseases that can lead to tachypnea

Rapid, shallow breathing can cause a wide range of illnesses. Depending on the categories, these may include:

• Lung diseases: Lung diseases that result in low oxygen levels or high carbon dioxide levels in the body may include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary sarcoidosis, asthma, pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis, pneumothorax (collapsed lung), or pulmonary embolism. Rapid breathing is the body's way of trying to increase oxygen levels or decrease carbon dioxide levels in the blood.

In hospitalized people, tachypnea may be a sign of developing pneumonia and often occurs before other obvious signs of pneumonia appear.

• Heart disease: Conditions such as heart failure, anemia or hypothyroidism can lead to cardiovascular disease, which in turn causes tachypnea.
• Hyperventilation: This can occur due to pain, anxiety or other conditions.
• Metabolic acidosis: Occurs when the level of acid in the blood rises and the breathing rate increases to expel carbon dioxide. Some causes of this include diabetic ketoacidosis, lactic acidosis, and hepatic encephalopathy.
• Diseases Related to the Central Nervous System: Tachypnea can be directly caused by brain abnormalities such as brain tumors.
• Medicines: Medicines or substances such as aspirin, stimulants, and marijuana can cause rapid, shallow breathing.

Kussmaul, Cheyne-Stokes and Biot breathing - changes in the airway

A routine physical examination of lung disease should consider the frequency with which the patient draws air into the lungs (per minute), as well as assess their depth and regularity. With brain stem injuries, Bio breathing may be observed, which is completely irregular and has variable amplitude, often turning into apnea - this may indicate a poor prognosis (preagonal state).

Kussmaul breathing occurs during metabolic acidosis in decompensated type 2 diabetes, when the lungs remove excess carbon dioxide stored in the tissues. Then the breaths are fast, regular and deep. (breathing acidosis, chasing a dog). Another example is intermittent breathing with deep breaths, called sighing. This is typical for neurotic diseases.

Pathological respiratory diseases also include Cheyne-Stokes breathing. It consists of a gradual increase in breathing amplitude and gradual silence, which is repeated in cycles alternating with periods of apnea. This indicates central nervous system diseases such as stroke or severe respiratory failure due to circulatory failure. Hypopnea is observed in advanced COPD. The patient then assumes a sitting position to activate additional power muscles while supporting the arms on the edge of the bed (called orthopnea).

About

Symptoms of tachypnea

Tachypnosis may be accompanied by a feeling of difficulty breathing and an inability to breathe in enough air (dyspnea), a blue tint to the fingers and lips (cyanosis), and breathing that involves retracting the chest muscles.

Tachypnosis can also occur without any obvious symptoms, especially if it is associated with conditions such as metabolic disorders or diseases of the central nervous system.

Symptoms

Increased breathing often leads to hyperventilation of the lungs, which provokes:

• dizziness;
• general malaise;
• darkness in the eyes;
• tingling in fingertips and around mouth.

Febrile fever, cough, chills occur with an illness caused by colds (ARVI, acute respiratory infections, influenza).

Transient tachypnea of ​​newborns is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• wheezing in the lung (not in all children);
• cyanosis during breathing;
• flaring of the wings of the nose.

Typically, the disease in infants has a favorable prognosis, and changes in X-rays disappear within a maximum of three days.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis of tachypnea will vary depending on the person's age, other medical problems, medications, and other symptoms, but may include:

• Oximetry : This procedure measures oxygen concentrations in the blood. The test is used in the evaluation of various diseases affecting the function of the heart and lungs.
• Arterial blood gas analysis : Blood gases can give a more accurate estimate of oxygen levels as well as carbon dioxide levels in the blood. They will also tell your doctor your blood pH, which can be helpful in assessing metabolic disorders.

If your blood pH is low (acidosis), tests may be done to look for causes such as diabetic ketoacidosis, lactic acidosis, and liver problems.

• Chest X-ray : A chest X-ray can quickly identify some causes of tachypnea, such as a collapsed lung.
• Computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest: A CT scan of the chest is done to look for lung disease or tumors.
• Pulmonary function tests . Pulmonary function tests are very useful in looking for conditions such as COPD and asthma.
• Glucose test: Blood sugar levels are often checked to rule out (or confirm) diabetic ketoacidosis.
• Electrolyte analysis: Analysis of sodium and potassium levels are useful in evaluating some causes of tachypnea.
• Hemoglobin test: A complete blood and hemoglobin test may be done to rule out (or confirm) signs of anemia as well as infections.
• Electrocardiography (ECG): An ECG can look for signs of a heart attack or abnormal heart rhythm (cardiac arrhythmia).
• VQ scan (or ventilation pulmonary perfusion scan): A VQ scan is often performed if there is a possibility of a pulmonary embolism.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain: If other diagnostic tests fail to find a clear cause for tachypnea, an MRI of the brain may be done to rule out brain abnormalities (such as tumors) as the cause.
• Chemical toxicology studies : There are many prescription and over-the-counter drugs and illegal substances that can cause tachypnea. Chemical toxicological studies are often performed in emergency situations if the cause of tachypnea is unknown.

Rapid breathing in a child - infant and newborn

The full-term baby is fully functional. The newborn breathes shallowly and quickly, at a rate of 40–60 beats per minute. Draws in air mainly with the help of the abdominal and diaphragmatic presses (while breathing is irregular, fast and shallow.

Transient atelectasis and short periods of apnea are physiological and do not require treatment. Non-domestic lesions are located in the lower parts of the lungs and gradually disappear with breathing activity, which also contributes to proper rapid breathing in the child. During infancy, respiratory rate decreases but remains high. Your breathing should be regular. The child's nasal passages are narrow, and the paranasal sinuses are not developed.

Gradually the number of alveoli increases. The pattern of the ribs gradually changes to an oblique one, which increases lung volume and reduces air resistance. Shortly after infancy, the normal number of inhalations and exhalations is 26 per minute. Despite the rapid development of the respiratory system, recurrent infections are common and are the main cause of rapid breathing during sleep and restlessness during the day.

Rapid breathing and cough are the most common symptoms of acute bronchial infection. High temperature, anemia, congenital lung diseases - for example, cystic fibrosis (rarely) can also contribute to the acceleration. Rapid breathing in a child at night may indicate, in addition to a common infection, bronchitis with hyperactivity or the onset of bronchial asthma.

Rapid breathing during sleep can also be a consequence of dehydration during an acute gastrointestinal infection; in more severe cases, during cough and fever, it can be a symptom of complicated abscess pneumonia or the presence of pleural effusion.

Vorobyova Marina

Neurologist of the highest qualification category (work experience 14 years), doctor of neurofunctional diagnostics (work experience 12 years); author of scientific publications on vertebroneurology; participant of scientific conferences on neurology and functional diagnostics of all-Russian and international significance.

Tachypnea and lung cancer

Lung cancer can cause tachypnea in a variety of ways. Damage to the lungs can disrupt the normal exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Scarring on the chest, such as from lung cancer surgery, can reduce the ability to breathe and take in oxygen.

Anemia caused by chemotherapy for lung cancer can lead to further worsening of tachypnea as there are fewer red blood cells in the blood to carry oxygen and therefore breathing becomes faster in an attempt to correct the problem.

Treatment of tachypnea

If attacks become frequent and are not caused by natural causes, the patient experiences weakness, panic attacks, pain, you need to consult a specialist. Most likely, in such a situation, tachypnea is associated with a specific disease, and its treatment is the therapy of the underlying disease. As part of the basic treatment regimen, rapid breathing is gradually eliminated.

To provide short-term relief, it is recommended to use a paper bag with a small hole. Place it on your mouth, holding the edges with your hand, and breathe for about five minutes. This optimizes gas exchange in the cells and the natural respiratory rhythm will be restored. It is also useful to do relaxing exercises.

Prevention

To minimize the likelihood of sleep apnea, the following measures should be taken:

• Overweight people should lose weight. This will help reduce pressure in problem areas.
• It is better for people with bad habits to give them up (smoking completely, preferably alcohol, if not, then do not drink 4-6 hours before bedtime).
• Do not take sleeping pills.
• Accustom yourself to sleep not on your back, but on your side or stomach, this will reduce the pressure placed on the larynx and diaphragm.
• Eliminate all light and noise sources.
• Don't watch TV or read before bed.
• Use massage/meditation before going to bed.