Normal breathing rates differ by age; infants have a rate of 30-60 breaths per minute, children aged around 10 years about 18-30 breaths per minute, and by adolescence, the rate is 12-18 breaths per minute, similar to adults.
The normal breathing rates for individuals vary depending on their age. Infants under 1 year of age typically have a respiratory rate between 30 and 60 breaths per minute. As children grow, this rate decreases; by about 10 years old, the rate falls to between 18 to 30 breaths per minute. When reaching adolescence and adulthood, the normal respiratory rate aligns with the adult average, which is 12 to 18 breaths per minute. This is under conditions of normal activity, where an adult may inhale about 1 liter of air with each breath. The work of breathing maintains proper alveolar ventilation, ensuring an adequate exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, and preventing CO2 buildup in the alveoli of the lungs.