Cheyne-Stokes Respirations

Causes of Cheyne-Stokes Respirations

The most common causes of Cheyne-Stokes respirations are heart failure and stroke. Although considered to be rare, Cheyne-Stokes breathing occurs in 25% to 50% of people with heart failure. This breathing pattern appears to be less common in people who have suffered a stroke compared to those with heart failure, though factors like the involvement of a major artery or a cardioembolism may increase the risk Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source .

In addition to heart failure and stroke, Cheyne-Stokes breathing is associated with:

• Arrival at a high altitude Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source
• Brain injury or brain tumor Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source
• High intracranial pressure Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source
• Acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source

Cheyne-Stokes respirations are also a clinical sign seen in people who are in the process of dying Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source .

Symptoms of Cheyne-Stokes Respirations

The main symptom of Cheyne-Stokes breathing is its characteristic crescendo-decrescendo breathing pattern. This pattern mostly occurs during sleep, particularly stage one and stage two non-REM sleep, but can also occur while awake. People who are asleep or on sedative medication are unlikely to be aware of their breathing pattern.

Cheyne-Stokes breathing tends to be worse when people sleep on their backs. People who have this condition experience at least five apneas or hypopneas a night, though they may experience many more.

Other symptoms associated with Cheyne-Stokes breathing include:

• Fatigue and excessive daytime sleepiness
• Difficult or labored breathing
• Loud snoring
• Sudden coughing fits
• Periodic limb movements during sleep

How Are Cheyne-Stokes Respirations Different From Similar Conditions That Affect Breathing?

Cheyne-Stokes breathing is only one condition that can affect the way you breathe while asleep or awake. Although different breathing conditions can share similarities, each is caused by unique factors and has distinct symptoms. If you are concerned about your breathing patterns or those of a loved one, it is important to speak to your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Central Sleep Apnea

Central sleep apnea and Cheyne-Stokes respirations are both caused by low respiratory effort and share many of the same symptoms, particularly excessive daytime sleepiness and loud snoring. However, central sleep apnea does not cause the characteristic Cheyne-Stokes breathing pattern, and the underlying cause of the low respiratory effort differs between the two conditions.

Kussmaul Breathing

Kussmaul breathing Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source is a type of deep, rapid breathing that can be described as “air hunger” Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source . Unlike Cheyne-Stokes breathing, Kussmaul breathing stays at one pace and does not include periods of slow breathing, apneas, or hypopneas. It also tends to occur while someone is awake. The most common cause of Kussmaul breathing is diabetic ketoacidosis, though it can also be caused by Trusted Source National Center for Biotechnology Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source any disorder that causes a buildup of acid in the body.

Hypoventilation or Hyperventilation

Hypoventilation Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source involves breathing too slowly or shallowly, while hyperventilation Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source describes breathing too quickly or deeply. While Cheyne-Stokes breathing does include periods of both, its specific pattern of hyperventilation followed by hypoventilation with periodic apneas or hypopneas is unique. Both hyperventilation and hypoventilation can be caused by a wide range of conditions that may be either short-term or chronic.

Biot’s Respirations

Also known as ataxic breathing, Biot’s respirations are similar to Cheyne-Stokes respirations and are named after a man who studied both Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source . A person with Biot’s respirations goes through periods of breathing very slowly or very quickly with occasional apneas. However, unlike Cheyne-Stokes breathing, ataxic breathing is very irregular and lacks a rising and falling pattern. Ataxic breathing is rarely described or reported in the literature, possibly due to most people now being intubated before it occurs.

Diagnosing Cheyne-Stokes Respirations

While diagnosing Cheyne-Stokes respirations that occur while awake is relatively easy due to their unique pattern, those that occur during sleep are often diagnosed using a sleep study called polysomnography. The symptoms of nighttime Cheyne-Stokes respirations are very similar to those of obstructive sleep apnea Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source , making polysomnography an important step in ensuring that people with this condition receive the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Treatment for Cheyne-Stokes Respirations

The presence of Cheyne-Stokes respirations, particularly when someone is awake, can indicate a poor prognosis. This is partially because the breathing pattern can lead to a vicious cycle in which the low blood oxygen caused by apneas can further damage the heart or cause problems with its rhythm. Left untreated, Cheyne-Stokes respirations can cause changes in carbon dioxide levels that lead to death. Because of these concerns, Cheyne-Stokes respirations require treatment unless they are part of the expected death process.

The most important factor when treating Cheyne-Stokes breathing is managing what caused it, usually congestive heart failure or stroke. To treat the breathing problem itself, medical professionals may use both nighttime oxygen therapy Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. CPAP therapy is recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine for Cheyne-Stokes. This type of therapy uses pressurized air to keep the airway open and encourage normal breathing. Oxygen therapy, on the other hand, provides people with a regular flow of oxygen while asleep. The mortality rate in people with Cheyne-Stokes respirations may be lower among some patients using CPAP therapy, while supplemental oxygen appears to improve their symptoms and overall quality of life.

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