You probably don't think all that much about how quickly you breathe, but it can actually tell you quite a lot about your overall health. Respiratory rate is considered one of four main vital signs, ...

Respiratory rate is the number of breaths taken per minute. In adults, the normal respiratory rate is roughly 12 to 20 breaths per minute. In children, the normal respiratory rate varies by age.

Many factors, including age and activity levels, affect a person’s respiratory rate. Adults usually take between 12–20 breaths per minute, but children tend to breath faster. The respiratory rate is ...