Abnormal and Irregular Breathing Patterns

Importance

• Essential knowledge for respiratory therapy exams.
• Required information for board exams.
• Necessary for patient assessment as a respiratory therapist.

Breathing Patterns

1. Eupnea

• Definition: Normal breathing.
• Features: Normal respiratory rate (12-20 breaths/min), pattern, depth, and rhythm.

2. Tachypnea

• Definition: Increased respiratory rate (>20 breaths/min).
• Causes: Hypoxia, fever, pain, central nervous system issues.

3. Bradypnea

• Definition: Decreased respiratory rate (<12 breaths/min).
• Causes: Sleep, drug overdose, alcohol use, metabolic disorders.

4. Apnea

• Definition: No breathing.
• Causes: Death, head trauma, stroke.

5. Hyperpnea

• Definition: Increased respiratory rate, rhythm, and depth.
• Causes: Metabolic or central nervous system disorders.

6. Cheyne-Stokes Breathing

• Definition: Alternating periods of deeper breathing with shallow breathing and apnea.
• Associated with: Brainstem injuries, increased intracranial pressure.
• Exam Tip: Often indicates a stroke.

7. Biot's Breathing

• Definition: Irregular periods of apnea with regular depth breaths.
• Characteristic: Rapid gasping followed by apnea.
• Occurs in: Increased intracranial pressure patients.

8. Kussmaul Breathing

• Definition: Deep and fast breathing.
• Characteristic: Increased respiratory rate and depth, irregular.
• Associated with: Diabetic ketoacidosis.

9. Orthopnea

• Definition: Difficulty breathing while lying down.
• Common in: Congestive heart failure (CHF), pulmonary edema, fluid overload, chronic lung diseases.
• Exam Tip: Think of CHF or pulmonary edema.

10. Apneustic Breathing

• Definition: Deep gasping inspiration with a pause, followed by partial expiration.
• Indicates: Damage to the pons, associated with head trauma, severe brain hypoxia.

Practice Question Example

• Scenario: Tidal volumes from small to large to small, stops for 10 seconds.
• Correct Answer: Cheyne-Stokes breathing (seen in stroke and head trauma patients).

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Conclusion

• Understanding these patterns is vital for exams and real-life application.
• Stay informed to aid your career as a respiratory therapist.

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