Alternative NamesTachypnea; Breathing - rapid and shallow; Fast shallow breathing; Respiratory rate - rapid and shallowDefinitionA normal breathing rate for an adult at rest is 8 to 16 breaths per minute. For an infant, a normal rate is up to 44 breaths per minute. Tachypnea is the medical term that your doctor uses to describe your breathing if it is too fast, particularly if you have rapid, shallow breathing due to an associated lung disease or other medical cause.In contrast, the term hyperventilation is usually used if you are taking rapid, deep breaths because of anxiety or panic. The terms are sometimes used interchangeaby.Common CausesShallow, rapid breathing has many potential medical causes. A partial list includes:AsthmaChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)Chest painPneumo