The respiration rate is the number of breaths a person takes per minute.

The rate is usually measured when a person is at rest and simply involves counting the number of breaths for one minute by counting how many times the chest rises.

Respiration rates may increase with fever, illness, and with other medical conditions.

When checking respiration, it is important to also note whether a person has any difficulty breathing.

Normal respiration rates for an adult person at rest range from 15 to 20 breaths per minute.

Abnormality:
Respiration rates over 25 breaths per minute or under 12 breaths per minute (when at rest) may be considered abnormal.