Breathing rate refers to the number of breaths taken per minute. Different situations may cause changes in the breathing rate. For instance, during physical activity, the breathing rate may increase. Some synonyms for breathing rate include respiration rate, respiratory rate, and pulmonary ventilation rate. These synonyms are used to indicate the amount of air inhaled and exhaled per minute. A physician may ask about a patient's breathing rate to assess their overall health, especially if they have respiratory problems such as COPD or asthma. Therefore, understanding these synonyms can be helpful for communicating about an individual's breathing patterns and respiratory health.