How is respiration measured?

Respiration is primarily measured by the number of breaths taken per minute, which is referred to as the respiratory rate. This rate provides essential information about a person's respiratory health and can indicate various medical conditions. For instance, an increased respiratory rate may suggest respiratory distress or other underlying health issues, while a very low rate may indicate hypoventilation or respiratory failure.

While other parameters, such as oxygen saturation levels, carbon dioxide levels, and the depth of each breath, provide valuable insights into pulmonary function and gas exchange, they do not directly quantify the rate at which breathing occurs. Therefore, focusing on the respiratory rate as a measure gives a clear and immediate indication of a person's overall respiratory status. This is why counting the number of breaths taken in a minute is the standard method for assessing respiration in clinical practice.