Emotions
Age
Exercise
Body size
Pregnancy
Environmental Temperature
Infants typically have a higher respiratory rate compared to adults. As we age, our respiratory rate tends to decrease.
Environmental temperature can affect respiration. For example, in hot weather, your body may breathe faster to help cool you down.
Generally, larger individuals may have a slower respiratory rate because they have a larger lung capacity.
Excitement or anxiety increases the respiratory rate as well. This is part of the body’s response to stress, where it prepares for increased activity.
During pregnancy, a woman’s body requires more oxygen for both herself and the developing fetus, which can lead to an increased respiratory rate.
During exercise, our muscles need more oxygen, so our respiratory rate increases to meet that demand.