Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

respiratory papillomatosis, recurrent
See
laryngeal papillomatosis.
respiratory rate
The number of breaths per
minute or, more formally, the number of movements
indicative of inspiration and expiration per unit time.
In practice, the respiratory rate is usually determined
by counting the number of times the chest rises or
falls per minute. The aim of measuring respiratory
rate is to determine whether the respirations are 
normal, abnormally fast (tachypnea), abnormally
slow (bradypnea), or nonexistent (apnea).
respiratory syncytial virus
A virus that causes
mild respiratory infections, colds, and coughs in
adults and can produce severe respiratory prob-
lems, including bronchitis and pneumonia, in young
children and anyone with compromised immune,
cardiac, or pulmonary systems. Abbreviated RSV.
RSV is spread via respiratory secretions and is
highly contagious. Infections usually occur during
annual community outbreaks, often lasting 4 to 6
months, during the late fall, winter, or early spring.
RSV typically features fever, prominent nasal secre-
tions, and congestion coupled with wheezing for 1
to 2 weeks. Having immunity against RSV requires
having a continuous, solid level of antibodies
against the virus. There is particular concern about
RSV occurring in premature babies, because their
immune systems lack maturity and antibodies.
There is no RSV vaccine.
respiratory system
The organs that are involved
in breathing, including the nose, throat, larynx, tra-
chea, bronchi, and lungs. Also known as the respi-
ratory tree.
respiratory therapy
Exercises and treatments
that help patients recover lung function, such as
after surgery.
resting phase
See 
interphase.
restless leg syndrome
An uncomfortable
(creeping, crawling, tingling, pulling, twitching,
tearing, aching, throbbing, prickling, or grabbing)
sensation in the calves that occurs while sitting or
while lying down. The result is an uncontrollable
urge to relieve the uncomfortable sensation by 
moving the legs. Restless leg syndrome is a common