The chart below shows several common types of respiratory patterns and their possible causes. It's important to assess the patient for the underlying cause and the effect on the patient.
TYPE
CHARACTERISTICS
PATTERN
POSSIBLE CAUSES
Apnea
Periodic absence of breathing
Mechanical airway obstruction
Conditions affecting the brain's respiratory center in the lateral medulla oblongata
Apneustic
Prolonged, gasping inspiration followed by extremely short, inefficient expiration
Lesions of the respiratory center
Bradypnea
Slow, regular respirations of equal depth
Normal pattern during sleep
Conditions affecting the respiratory center: tumors, metabolic disorders, respiratory decompensation, and use of opiates or alcohol
Cheyne-Stokes
Fast, deep respirations of 30 to 170 seconds punctuated by periods of apnea lasting 20 to 60 seconds
Increased intracranial pressure, severe congestive heart failure, renal failure, meningitis, drug overdose, and cerebral anoxia
Eupnea
Normal rate and rhythm
Normal respiration
Kussmaul's
Fast (over 20 breaths/minute), deep (resembling sighs), labored respirations without pause
Renal failure and metabolic acidosis, particularly diabetic ketoacidosis
Tachypnea
Rapid respirations. Rate rises with body temperature: about four breaths per minute for every degree Fahrenheit above normal
Pneumonia, compensatory respiratory alkalosis, respiratory insufficiency, lesions of the respiratory center, and salicylate poisoning
