Medical Health Encyclopedia

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W Y

Diaphragm Diaphragm and lungs Respiratory system

Overview Treatment

Rapid shallow breathing

Alternative Names: Tachypnea; Breathing - rapid and shallow; Fast shallow breathing; Respiratory rate - rapid and shallow Home Care: Rapid, shallow breathing should not be treated at home and is generally considered a medical emergency. Text Continues Below If you have asthma or COPD, then use your inhaler medications as prescribed by your doctor. You may still need to be seen right away. Your doctor will explain when it is important to go to the emergency room. Call your health care provider if: Call your doctor right away or go to the emergency room if you are breathing rapidly, especially if you: have chest pain have shortness of breath have a fever have never experienced rapid breathing before do not know the cause What to expect at your health care provider's office: Whether you are being examined at a hospital emergency room or at your doctor's office, the physician will do a thorough exam of your heart, lungs, abdomen, and head and neck. Tests that may be ordered include: CBC and blood chemistries Arterial blood gas to check your oxygen level Chest X-ray ECG Ventilation/perfusion scan of your lungs Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the rapid breathing. Treatment may include oxygen if your oxygen level is too low and nebulized respiratory treatments if you are having an asthma attack.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.