Sounds of Breathing Patterns (Cheyne Stokes, Kussmaul's, Biot's)

Cheyne‑Stokes respiration is a cyclical breathing pattern that alternates between progressively deeper and faster breaths and a gradual decline to a brief pause, then repeats. It is named after John Cheyne and William Stokes, who described it in the early 19th century. The cycle can last from seconds to a minute or more and is often associated with conditions affecting the central nervous system or respiratory control centers, such as heart failure, stroke, traumatic brain injury, brain tumors, or certain drugs. Recognizing this pattern is clinically important because it may signal serious underlying disease. Treatment focuses on addressing the root cause, and may include managing heart failure, providing supplemental oxygen, or using medications to improve respiratory function. The prognosis depends on the underlying condition, and thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is essential to determine the appropriate management.