What are Biot respirations?

Biot respirations are characterized by rapid and deep breaths followed by periods of apnea. This pattern indicates a disruption in the normal rhythm of breathing, often associated with neurological conditions or increased intracranial pressure. The rapid, deep breaths can occur in clusters before a pause in breathing, which can lead to erratic ventilation patterns. Recognizing Biot respirations is crucial for understanding a patient's respiratory status and potential underlying issues affecting their central nervous system.

Other patterns of breathing, such as inconsistent breathing patterns with periods of apnea, rapid and shallow respirations, or breathing with prolonged expiration, signify different conditions and mechanisms, distinguishing Biot respirations specifically by their distinctive combination of rapid depth and periodic cessation of breathing.