Normal Respiratory Rate for a 5.5-Year-Old Female Child
The normal respiratory rate for a 5.5-year-old child ranges from approximately 18-30 breaths per minute, with a median around 22-24 breaths per minute. 1, 2
Age-Specific Normal Range
- For children aged 5-6 years, the respiratory rate typically falls between 18-30 breaths per minute, representing the continued decline from infancy through early childhood 2
- The median respiratory rate decreases progressively with age: from 44 breaths per minute at birth to 26 breaths per minute at 2 years, continuing to decline through childhood 2
- By school age (5+ years), respiratory rates approach adult-like values, with the steepest decline occurring in children under 2 years of age 2
Clinical Thresholds for Concern
- Tachypnea in children over 5 years is generally defined as a respiratory rate exceeding 30 breaths per minute, though this threshold becomes less precise as children approach adolescence 1, 2
- The WHO defines tachypnea for younger children (12-59 months) as ≥40 breaths per minute, but this threshold is not applicable to a 5.5-year-old 3, 1
- Bradypnea (abnormally slow breathing) would be concerning at rates below 18 breaths per minute in this age group 2
Measurement Best Practices
- Count respirations for a full 60 seconds rather than shorter periods to ensure accuracy, as respiratory rates in children show significant variability even over short time intervals 3, 4
- Measure when the child is calm and at rest, as crying, agitation, or physical activity will artificially elevate the respiratory rate 3, 1
- Manual measurement can be imprecise with significant intra-observer variation, requiring focused concentration 3, 5
Important Clinical Caveats
- There is a broad range of "normal" respiratory rates at every age, making identification of truly abnormal rates more challenging in clinical practice 6
- Respiratory rate is inversely related to age throughout childhood, and individual variation is substantial 6, 2
- Environmental factors such as altitude can significantly affect normal respiratory rate values, with higher rates observed at increased elevations 7