What Does Tachypnea Mean?

tak-IP-nee-ah
IPA: /ˌtæk.ɪpˈniː.ə/
tak IP nee ah
Tachypnea is pronounced tak-IP-nee-ah

What does Tachypnea mean?

Tachypnea is an abnormally rapid respiratory rate, generally defined as more than 20 breaths per minute in adults.

How do you pronounce Tachypnea?

Tachypnea is pronounced "tak-IP-nee-ah". Syllables: tak - ip - nee - ah.

When is Tachypnea used in medicine?

Seen in pneumonia, PE, CHF, sepsis, metabolic acidosis (Kussmaul breathing), diabetic ketoacidosis, pain. A respiratory rate >25 is a red flag for serious illness.

Word Parts & Etymology

Greek prefixtachy-fast, rapid
Greek rootpnoiabreathing

Common Misconceptions

Tachypnea is objective (measured rate). Dyspnea is subjective (patient's perceived difficulty). A patient can have tachypnea without feeling short of breath (e.g., compensation for metabolic acidosis).

Clinical Context

Seen in pneumonia, PE, CHF, sepsis, metabolic acidosis (Kussmaul breathing), diabetic ketoacidosis, pain. A respiratory rate >25 is a red flag for serious illness.

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