Respiration rate refers to the number of breaths a person takes in one minute. It is an important vital sign that helps assess a person's overall health. A normal respiration rate for adults typically ranges from 12 to 20 breaths per minute, while children may have higher rates. Factors such as age, activity level, and health conditions can influence this rate. Measuring respiration rate can be done by observing the rise and fall of the chest or using medical devices. Abnormal rates, whether too fast (tachypnea) or too slow (bradypnea), may indicate underlying health issues that require further evaluation by a healthcare professional.