For clinical reference only — does not replace local trust guidelines or clinical judgement.
‹ Vital Signs
Vital Signs

Bradypnoea

Bradypnoea

Severity
RR
  • Mild
    RR 10–11
  • Significant
    RR 8–9
  • Critical
    RR ≤ 7 or apnoea
🚨 Life-Threatening — exclude first
If suspected, escalate now.
Opioid / sedative overdose
Type 2 respiratory failure with CO₂ narcosis
Raised ICP / brainstem lesion
Exhaustion from severe asthma / COPD
Hypothermia
💊

Drugs Causes

Opioids (PRN + background)BenzodiazepinesAnaesthetic / sedative agentsGabapentinoids
🧠

CNS Causes

Raised ICPBrainstem stroke / lesionPost-ictalSevere metabolic encephalopathy
🫁

Respiratory Causes

CO₂ narcosis in COPDExhaustion in severe asthma / COPDNeuromuscular weakness (GBS, MG)
⚗️

Metabolic / Other Causes

HypothermiaHypothyroidismSevere hyponatraemia