Bradypnea: Abnormally Slow Breathing – Causes & Emergency Response

Definition

Bradypnea = respiratory rate < 12 breaths/min in adults (normal 12–20). The original text incorrectly stated 20–30/min as low; that range is normal to elevated.

Major Causes

Associated Signs

Hypoxia (cyanosis, SpO₂ ↓)
Hypercapnia (flapping tremor, confusion, papilledema)
Altered mental status
Hypotension, bradycardia

Emergency Response

Call EMS / Activate Code.
Airway: Head-tilt/chin-lift or jaw thrust; suction if needed.
Breathing: Bag-valve-mask ventilation with 100% O₂; prepare for intubation.
Circulation: Monitor vitals, IV access.
Reversal Agents (if indicated): Naloxone (opioids), flumazenil (benzodiazepines – caution in seizure risk), atropine (bradycardia).
Treat Underlying Cause.

Key Point

Bradypnea always warrants urgent evaluation. A rate of 20–30/min is not bradypnea—it may indicate fever, pain, anxiety, sepsis, or early compensation for metabolic acidosis.

Breathwork - Related Articles

Category	Examples
CNS Depression	Opioids, sedatives (benzodiazepines, barbiturates), alcohol, anesthetics, GHB.
Neurological	Stroke (pons/medulla), increased ICP (tumor, hemorrhage, trauma), neurodegenerative (MSA, late PD), Guillain-Barré (respiratory muscle weakness).
Metabolic/Endocrine	Hypothyroidism (severe/myxedema), hypothermia, hypercapnia (CO₂ narcosis).
Cardiopulmonary	Severe heart failure (pulmonary edema), advanced COPD (late), massive PE.
Electrolyte/Toxin	Hyperkalemia, hypermagnesemia, organophosphate poisoning.