What are the normal breathing, body temperature and pulse rate for an adult?

Many people are curious about their vital signs. They don’t understand how many heart beats are considered normal, or what is a normal breathing rate. Then you will understand after reading the following content!

body temperature

The normal armpit temperature of an adult is 36℃～37℃, slightly lower in the morning and slightly higher in the afternoon, and the fluctuation does not exceed 1℃ within 24 hours. The body temperature of the elderly is slightly lower, and the body temperature of women before and after menstruation or during pregnancy is slightly higher. The body temperature is slightly higher after exercise or eating.

A body temperature higher than the normal range is called fever, which is seen in infection, trauma, malignant tumors, cerebrovascular accident and various intracavitary bleeding. A body temperature below the normal range is called hypothermia, which can be seen in shock, severe malnutrition, hypothyroidism, and prolonged exposure to low temperatures.

Method for measuring axillary temperature: first shake the thermometer to below 35℃, then place the end of the thermometer at the top of the armpit and clamp it, take the reading after ten minutes.

When measuring body temperature with a glass thermometer, you should hold the glass end of the thermometer horizontally and read it.

pulse

The normal pulse rate for adults is 60 to 100 beats per minute, slightly faster for women, the average for children is 90 beats per minute, and slower for the elderly, at 55 to 60 beats per minute. The speed of the pulse is affected by age, gender, exercise and emotional factors.

Pulse measurement method: Place the tips of your index, middle and ring fingers flat on the radial artery pulsation point of your wrist and count the number of beats per minute.

Respiratory rate

The normal breathing rate of an adult at rest is 16 to 20 times per minute, which gradually slows down with age.

A respiratory rate exceeding 24 times/minute is called tachypnea, which is seen in fever, pain, anemia, hyperthyroidism and heart failure. A respiratory rate lower than 12 times/minute is called bradypnea, which is seen in intracranial hypertension, overdose of anesthetics, etc.