How is tachypnea otherwise known?

Tachypnea is commonly referred to as polypnea, which indicates an increased rate of breathing. This term emphasizes both the rapidity and frequency of breaths taken in a given period. Polypnea specifically describes a state where a person exhibits rapid, shallow breaths, and is often associated with a physiological response to various conditions such as fever, anxiety, or respiratory distress.

In contrast to the other options, hyperventilation refers to an excessive rate or depth of breathing, which can lead to decreased carbon dioxide levels in the bloodstream. Bradypnea describes an abnormally slow breathing rate, while apnea denotes the absence of breath entirely for a period. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify how tachypnea fits within the broader context of respiratory terminology.