Tachypnoea
Severity
RR
- Mild21–24
- Significant25–29
- Critical≥ 30
🚨 Life-Threatening — exclude first
If suspected, escalate now.
Sepsis / SIRS
Massive PE
DKA / metabolic acidosis
Acute pulmonary oedema
Severe asthma / silent chest
🫁
Respiratory (V/Q, work) Causes
Pneumonia, COPD, asthma exacerbationPulmonary oedemaPneumothoraxPEAspiration
⚗️
Metabolic acidosis (Kussmaul) Causes
Diabetic ketoacidosisLactic acidosis (sepsis, ischaemia)Uraemia / AKIToxic alcohols / aspirin overdose
❤️
Cardiovascular Causes
Compensated shockHeart failure
🧠
Neurological Causes
Brainstem / pontine lesionRaised ICP
🌡️
Pain / Anxiety / Pyrexia Causes
Uncontrolled painAnxiety / panicFever