Different Ways on How to Monitor Breathing Rate

Breathing rate is also known as respiratory rate or ventilation. It is the number of breaths that a person takes per minute. This can be measured in adults by simply counting the number of times their chest rises while they exhale for one full minute. The rise and fall of your chest can be seen right underneath your neck but put some pressure on your chest so you can see it rise. It is also important to check the number of breaths taken by a baby every minute because babies take less than an adult per minute and this will pose a problem.

Different Ways on How to Monitor Breathing Rate

There are various ways that you can use to monitor breathing rate depending on where the person is and what you want to check and measure.

Method 1: Using a Stethoscope

Place the head of the stethoscope just over the heart region then place your second earpiece on your chest or right below your clavicle. Feel for the beat by moving the head of the stethoscope around until you are able to locate the beat. Count for at least one minute while you are feeling for the respiratory movement on your chest. Be sure that you keep still while counting so you won’t miss any bit of it at all. When done, multiply by six to get the number of breaths taken per minute.

Method 2: Using the Counting Method

This is more accurate than using a stethoscope. Get somebody to count for you while you are resting with your eyes closed and your back on the floor. Do this for one full minute, then multiply the number of breaths taken by six to get your respiratory rate. You can also use an online calculator to get it done.

Method 3: Using a Watch

Get somebody to be your timer and sit down on a chair or lie down on the floor then count for one full minute without moving at all. Note the number of breaths taken by your body and stop counting after one full minute so you can get an accurate result. Take note that if it is hard for you to do it alone, you can always ask for help from another person.

Method 4: Using a Phone

Using your phone is one of the easiest ways in monitoring your breathing rate. Simply download an app that can count respiratory movements and place it near the area where the sound of breathing is coming from while checking your chest’s movement on the screen. It will do all the work for you and give you an accurate result after one minute.

Method 5: Using a Pulse Oximeter

This is one of the best ways in monitoring the breathing rate especially for people who are suffering from respiratory diseases, COPD, asthma, or any other respiratory problems. This device can be placed on the finger so you can check the oxygen level inside your lungs. It will also measure your respiratory rate clearly and accurately, letting you know if you are having an increased or decreased breathing rate.

There are many ways that you could monitor breathing rates depending on where the person is at that time, who needs to be monitored and what type of equipment is being used. There are various medical equipment that you can use to get an accurate result but whether or not it is being used, important thing is that the person has been monitored so proper care and treatment can be done.