It is important to know a child’s respiratory rate because, as children grow into adulthood, their breathing rhythm changes to meet the body’s needs.
For this reason, it is important to know the different stages to identify whether there is a respiratory problem.
But what is the respiratory rate? The respiratory rate is the number of breaths per minute a person takes and is considered one of the body’s main vital signs.
Pediatric vital signs
Although a normal respiratory rate in adults is considered to be between 12 and 20 breaths per minute, depending on age, children have different normal ranges for the pediatric respiratory rate.
The ranges considered normal at the different stages of pediatric development are:
- Infants (up to one year of age): 30 to 60 breaths per minute.
- Toddlers (one to three years): 24 to 40 breaths per minute.
- Preschool children (three to six years): 22 to 34 breaths per minute.
- School-age children (six to 12 years): 18 to 30 breaths per minute.
- Adolescents (12 to 18 years): 12 to 16 breaths per minute.
How is respiratory rate measured in pediatrics?
At home, you can measure the respiratory rate by following these recommendations:
- Use a stopwatch to count one full minute.
- The child should be at rest, either sitting or lying down, and should have avoided vigorous physical activity in the minutes prior to measurement.
- Count the number of breaths taken in one minute (the number of times the child’s chest rises).
It is important to be aware that a normal respiratory rate in children can be altered by various factors, including emotional states, physical activity, high or low body temperature, and certain illnesses; therefore, especially for first-time parents, it is important to consult a physician to ensure you understand everything that should be known.
Oxygenation in children
The term oxygenation refers to the amount of oxygen that the lungs transfer into the blood, a process that is vital for the human body. Oxygenation in children is assessed differently than in adults; for example, hypoxemia, which is low oxygen levels in the blood, may present more subtly in pediatric patients, showing signs such as bluish discoloration of the skin, agitation, or decreased activity.
Pediatric assessment triangle
An important tool in pediatrics is the pediatric assessment triangle, a rapid method for assessing health by immediately evaluating a child’s condition in an emergency.
It consists of three elements:
- Appearance: evaluates muscle tone, interaction, the comfort obtained from the mother, eye appearance, and crying or speech.
- Circulation: assesses skin color and the presence of signs of inadequate perfusion, such as mottling or pallor.
- Work of breathing: evaluates the presence of signs such as a normal respiratory rate, retractions, nasal flaring, or abnormal breath sounds.
Respiratory rate in children is an essential component of vital sign evaluation, as it helps assess oxygenation.
Early detection of abnormalities in respiratory rate and oxygenation will allow the child to receive timely intervention, which is vital for recovery and well-being.
Respiratory infections in children
During the first years of life, it is common for respiratory tract infections to occur. These are usually divided into two categories:
- Upper pediatric respiratory tract infections: symptoms occur in the nose and throat, often as the flu or the common cold.
- Lower pediatric respiratory tract infections: symptoms affect the lungs, airways, and trachea. Pneumonia and bronchiolitis are common conditions in this part of the respiratory system.
A pediatric specialist in respiratory conditions will quickly identify the type of infection due to its characteristic symptoms. Mild upper respiratory tract symptoms generally do not require medical attention. However, if the child is not feeding properly, if fever lasts more than two days, or if there are breathing difficulties, a pediatric evaluation will be necessary.
At ABC Medical Center’s Pediatrics Center, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
Fuentes:
Stanford Medicine, Healthline, MedicalNewsToday
