What does Bradypnea refer to?

Bradypnea specifically refers to an abnormally slow rate of breathing. When analyzing respiratory patterns, a normal respiratory rate for adults generally falls between 12 and 20 breaths per minute. If an individual exhibits a breathing rate lower than this threshold, it is classified as bradypnea. This condition can be indicative of various medical issues, including certain drug toxicities or neurological disorders. Understanding bradypnea is crucial for medical professionals, as it may guide them in diagnosing and managing potential respiratory or systemic complications in patients. Other options like rapid breathing or labored breathing refer to different conditions, which do not match the definition of bradypnea.