Rapid Shallow Breathing Index

The Rapid Shallow Breathing Index (RSBI) is a measure used in medicine to assess a person's breathing pattern, particularly in patients who may need help with breathing, such as those on a ventilator. It compares the rate of breaths taken per minute to the volume of air moved with each breath. A higher RSBI suggests that a patient may struggle to breathe effectively on their own. This index helps doctors decide if a patient is ready to be taken off mechanical ventilation or if they still need support to breathe properly.