Polypnea

Polypnea (polypnoe from the ancient Greek πολύς - a lot and πνοή - breathing) is rapid breathing, characterized by an increase in the frequency of respiratory movements.

Polypnea can be physiological, for example, during physical activity, fever, pregnancy. It is also observed in various diseases and pathological conditions, such as heart and respiratory failure, anemia, poisoning, and damage to the respiratory center.

With polypnea, both inhalation and exhalation become more frequent. The depth of breathing may be normal, decreased or increased. Polypnea is often accompanied by shortness of breath.

Prolonged or severe polypnea leads to disturbances in blood gas composition, in particular to hypoxia and hypocapnia. Treatment of polypnea depends on the cause that caused it and is aimed at eliminating the underlying disease or condition.