Cheyne–Stokes respiration

From WikiMD.com Medical Encyclopedia

Dr.Prab.jpg

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Cheyne–Stokes respiration
Breathing abnormalities.svg
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Cyclic pattern of apnea and hyperpnea
Complications Hypoxia, sleep disturbance
Onset Can occur at any age, more common in heart failure and stroke patients
Duration Episodes can last from a few minutes to several hours
Types N/A
Causes Heart failure, stroke, brain injury, altitude sickness
Risks Heart disease, neurological disorders, high altitude
Diagnosis Polysomnography, clinical observation
Differential diagnosis Central sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea, Biot's respiration
Prevention N/A
Treatment Positive airway pressure, oxygen therapy, treating underlying conditions
Medication N/A
Prognosis Varies depending on underlying cause
Frequency Common in patients with heart failure or neurological disorders
Deaths N/A


Cheyne–Stokes respiration is a specific form of periodic breathing (cyclic variation of tidal volume) characterized by a gradual increase in depth and frequency of breathing, followed by a decrease resulting in apnea, before the cycle repeats itself. This pattern of breathing is often seen in patients with severe heart failure or those who have had a brain injury, including a stroke. It is named after two physicians, Dr. John Cheyne and Dr. William Stokes, who first described it in the 19th century.

History[edit | edit source]

John Cheyne and William Stokes, two physicians from Ireland, first described Cheyne–Stokes respiration in the 19th century. Cheyne published an article in 1818 describing the condition, and Stokes published a book in 1854 that also discussed the phenomenon.

Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]

The exact mechanism of Cheyne–Stokes respiration is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of impaired neurological control of breathing, hypoxia (low oxygen levels), and hypercapnia (high carbon dioxide levels). The pattern of breathing is thought to result from a delay in the feedback mechanisms involved in the control of respiration.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Cheyne–Stokes respiration is often seen in patients with severe congestive heart failure, stroke, or brain injury. It can also occur during sleep in some people with sleep apnea. The presence of Cheyne–Stokes respiration can be a sign of severe disease and is associated with a poorer prognosis.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment of Cheyne–Stokes respiration primarily involves treating the underlying condition. This may involve medications to improve heart function in patients with heart failure, or oxygen therapy in patients with low oxygen levels. In some cases, a form of ventilation called bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) may be used.

Gallery[edit | edit source]

See also[edit | edit source]

Stub icon
   This article is a medical stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!



WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD