What it means
An abnormal pattern in which bursts of fast, even breaths stop suddenly for periods of apnea of varying length. It comes from damage to the breathing centers in the brainstem, as with increased intracranial pressure, stroke, brain injury or opioid overdose. It differs from Cheyne-Stokes respirationsCHAYN STOHKS res-puh-RAY-shunzA breathing pattern in which breaths grow deeper and then shallower in a repeating cycle, with pauses in breathing between cycles.Full entry , where breaths grow deeper and then shallower in a smooth wave. It is named after Camille Biot, a French physician.
For the nurse
Count and describe the pattern over a full minute, including how long the pauses last, and report it at once.
At a glance
| Also written | Biot respiration, Biot breathing, Biot's respirations |
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Easy to confuse with
Cheyne-Stokes respirations
A breathing pattern in which breaths grow deeper and then shallower in a repeating cycle, with pauses in breathing between cycles.
Related terms
intracranial pressure
The pressure inside the skull, made by the brain, the blood and the fluid around the brain.
apnea
A pause in breathing, or breathing that has stopped.
Cheyne-Stokes respirations
A breathing pattern in which breaths grow deeper and then shallower in a repeating cycle, with pauses in breathing between cycles.