Cheyne–Stokes respiration

Cheyne–Stokes respiration

Cheyne-Stokes respiration is a respiratory disorder that is characterized by progressively deeper and, at times, faster breathing. The more profound and more rapid breathing is sometimes followed by a gently decrease that often result in apnea. Apnea is experienced when a person with the condition is sleeping. Apnea during sleep is linked to stroke or congestive heart failure. The step by step increase and decrease may result in airflow and breathing effort. It is during the low breathing effort that results in a total deficiency of airflow, referred to as central sleep apnea, can occur (Mohan, 2019).

History

Cheyne- Stokes respiration was named after the people who first discovered it. In the year 1818, it was first found by Cheyne and later on in 1854 by Stokes. In the earlier investigations, the condition was considered pathologic. However, current studies and surveys found out that the situation is more likely to occur in animals in a resting state. For instance, Mosso’s findings show that the condition is observed on hibernating animals, and in man when asleep, the breathing irregularity was found to be abolished by the administration of carbon dioxide.

Signs and symptoms

Several signs and symptoms characterize stokes respiration. Firstly, the person with this kind of condition will exhibit orthopnea, which refers to a short breath when lying down.

Secondly, the person who is likely to be suffering from this condition will exhibit a condition known as paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. This condition is characterized by severe coughing fits and short breath, especially at night, and disrupts typically sleep.

Thirdly, the person likely to be suffering from this condition tends to experience fatigue and excessive sleepiness during the day.

Risk factors

Research shows that Cheyne-Stokes respiration can occur in people with congestive heart failures/ stroke or those with neurological conditions. It is observed that close to fifty percent of the people having congestive heart failure problems also have Cheyne-Stokes respiration. Additionally, the state is also known to be asleep apnea syndrome. Nevertheless, many cases of Cheyne-Stokes remain unrecognized since it is commonly experienced during sleep (Suzzane,2010).

Complications

Cheyne-Stokes respiration is characterized by apneas, which may also refer to periods of stopped breathing as the victim make efforts of breathing. These periods of stopped breathing can easily lead to death as they cause abnormal breathing patterns.

Manifestation in sleep study

            The condition is placed under sleep study since it occurs mainly when the person affected is asleep. During sleep, a person’s breathing pattern increases and decreases abnormally.

Treatment. 

According to the recommendations made by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, positive air pressure should be considered for all persons with Cheyne-Stokes or the central sleep apnea. There are two primary treatment methods for the condition; the adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV) and positive airway pressure (CPAP).

CPAP treats Cheyne-Stoke’s condition by administering continuous positive pressure using different mechanisms of action. During the central apnea, the positive influence keeps the upper airway splinted, bringing the respiratory drives to a stable condition and also improving the oxygenation (Adythia, 2020).

ASV, on the other hand, is the modern way and most preferred with many patients since it is a non- invasive treatment. It can prevent hypoventilation during apnea and also counteract hyperventilation during hyperpnea.