Rapid shallow breathing, also known as tachypnea, can be caused by various factors such as lung disease, asthma, pulmonary embolism, or excess fluid in infants’ lungs. Prompt treatment, including oxygen and medication, is crucial for patients experiencing this respiratory distress.
Rapid shallow breathing occurs when a person takes frequent small breaths of air. The rapid breathing process is also known as tachypnea. When an individual suffers from this condition, he is unable to take deep breaths, thus the air cannot adequately fill the lungs. The causes of rapid shallow breathing can vary widely, from chest pain to a lung infection. In general, regardless of the cause, paramedics should be called immediately for a person experiencing this type of respiratory distress.
Lung disease is a common cause of rapid shallow breathing. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an example of a lung disease that can cause this. Generally, COPD is viewed as a combination of chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Both of these conditions can significantly impair the airflow in the lungs. Due to airflow restriction, an individual may need to take short, quick breaths of air.
Another cause of this type of breathing can be asthma. This inflammatory disorder causes the airways to become inflamed and narrowed. When this happens, a person may gasp, complain of chest tightness, cough, and have trouble breathing. One of the biggest problems is commonly rapid shallow breathing, which occurs when the person struggles to get air. In many cases, a certain trigger will drive an asthmatic person into an attack which can initiate these symptoms.
Pulmonary embolism can be an additional cause. This condition is characterized by a blockage in one or more arteries in the lungs. The blockage is most often caused by blood clots. Blood clots often travel to the lungs from other parts of the body. Once lodged in the lungs, the clots can cause breathing problems.
Sometimes, rapid shallow breathing is observed in infants soon after birth. The condition is commonly known as transient tachypnea, as it usually only lasts a short amount of time. In most cases, babies breathe this way when there is too much fluid in their lungs. The excess fluid can make it difficult to take deep breaths, and as a result, the baby may breathe quickly and shallowly.
Prompt treatment for rapid shallow breathing is vital. Infants with this condition are commonly treated with oxygen. Even adults can be treated with this method. When rapid breathing is due to a health condition such as COPD or asthma, patients may be prescribed medications to combat the respiratory irregularity. Some of the more commonly used medications include bronchodilators and different types of inhaled corticosteroids.
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