What is bradypnea associated with?

Bradypnea refers to an abnormally slow respiratory rate, which can indicate various underlying medical conditions. It is often associated with central nervous system disturbances, particularly those affecting brain function.

Head injury is a common cause of bradypnea because trauma can lead to increased intracranial pressure or direct damage to the brain centers that regulate breathing. This can impair the normal respiratory drive, resulting in a decreased respiratory rate.

In contrast, other conditions such as fever, exercise, and anxiety typically lead to an increased respiratory rate. Fever often increases metabolism and activity levels in the body, while exercise naturally elevates respiratory rate to meet increased oxygen demands. Anxiety generally triggers rapid and shallow breathing as part of the body's fight-or-flight response. Therefore, bradypnea is primarily associated with conditions that depress the central nervous system, with head injury being a significant contributor.