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Glite Dictionary
periodic breathing

periodic breathing

6.7
Repeated cycles of shallow and deep breaths
  • noun
  • /ˌpɪəriˈɒdɪk ˈbriːðɪŋ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : respiración periódica
  • The nurse became concerned when she detected a pattern of periodic breathing during the exam.

Examples

  • The patient exhibited periodic breathing during the examination.

  • Doctors noticed periodic breathing in the patient during overnight monitoring.

  • Periodic breathing is commonly observed in premature infants in neonatal care.

  • Doctors noted that periodic breathing can indicate serious health issues.

  • The doctor noted her periodic breathing during the examination, indicating a possible health issue.

  • Patients with sleep disorders often experience periodic breathing patterns throughout the night.

  • He was concerned about his periodic breathing, as it disrupted his sleep and left him feeling tired.

Synonyms

Cheyne-Stokes respiration
vsperiodic breathing
  • Specialized
9.1

Breathing that becomes very shallow then very deep in a repeating pattern, often in serious illness

is a general abnormal breathing pattern of alternating shallow and deep breaths

How Irregular

apnea
  • Specialized
24 7.1
periodic breathing
  • Specialized
6.7

Surface Forms

periodic breathing singular
periodic breathings plural

Morphology

periodic + breathing

The phrase is a straightforward composition of 'periodic' (recurring at regular intervals) and 'breathing' (the process of inhaling and exhaling), so a learner who knows both words can infer it refers to breathing that occurs in cycles or episodes. While it is used as a clinical term with specific patterns, the core meaning is directly derivable from the constituents and cross-linguistically transparent.

Etymology

The term periodic breathing comes from the image of periodic cycles of breathing, like waves rising and falling. So the name explains the pattern of 'shallow and deep breaths in cycles' you can see in some people.