Introduction
Physical Examination
General
Cyanosis
Labored respirations
Tachypnea
Chest wall retractions
Nasal Flaring
Coughing/Sneezing
Grunting
Stridor
Differential Diagnosis
Specific Diseases
References
Other Lectures
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Tachypnea, an increased respiratory rate, is not specific for respiratory tract disease. It is also seen in cardiac problems, as well as diseases that cause metabolic acidosis, such as diabetic ketoacidosis or dehydration (most commonly from severe gastroenteritis). Additionally, interpreting the patient's respiratory rate as tachypnea depends on a knowledge of the normal respiratory rate for age, which varies widely, from 40 to 60 for a newborn to the usual 12 to 14 for teens. Even with these limitations, though, tachypnea is an early sign of respiratory distress and correlates well with the severity of disease.
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