Health Tip: When Breathing Is Rapid and
(HealthDay News) -- Tachypnea is the medical term for breathing
that is abnormally rapid and shallow.
If you have the condition, the University of Maryland Medical
Center says possible causes include:
- A chronic respiratory illness, such as asthma or chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- An infection of the lungs, such as pneumonia.
- Chest pain.
- A blood clot in the lung, sometimes called a pulmonary
Symptoms of rapid, shallow breathing should not be self-treated,
and are "generally considered a medical emergency," the hospital
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Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.