What is the most common cause of bradypnea?

The most common cause of bradypnea is related to medication effects, particularly opioids. Opioids are known for their potent effects on the central nervous system, which can lead to respiratory depression. They can interfere with the brain's ability to regulate respiration, often resulting in a decreased respiratory rate. This is especially significant in situations where individuals are taking these medications for pain management or other medical reasons.

In contrast, high levels of physical activity typically lead to increased respiration to meet the heightened oxygen demand of the body, not reduced breathing rates. Asthma attacks usually cause wheezing and difficulty breathing, which can lead to increased respiratory rates rather than bradypnea. Acute respiratory infections can cause various symptoms, including coughing and difficulty breathing, but they do not generally present as bradypnea in most cases. Therefore, medication effects—particularly from substances that depress CNS function like opioids—are recognized as the leading cause of bradypnea.