Irregular respiration

An abnormal, unstable breathing pattern characterized by fluctuating respiratory rate (dyspnea, tachypnea, bradypnea, apnea) and tidal volume, with inconsistent rhythm and variable depth of breaths, often reflecting disrupted respiratory drive or impaired neuromuscular, cardiopulmonary, or central control of ventilation.

Causes

• Pulmonary causes

  • Asthma

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

  • Pneumonia

  • Pulmonary embolism

  • Pulmonary edema

  • Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)

  • Other conditions causing impaired gas exchange

• Cardiovascular causes

  • Heart failure (Cheyne–Stokes respiration)

  • Cardiac arrhythmias

  • Anemia causing reduced oxygen delivery

  • Other conditions causing impaired circulatory regulation of breathing

• Neurological causes

  • Sleep apnea

  • Chest trauma affecting respiratory mechanics

  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

  • Guillain–Barré syndrome

  • Brain injury (Cheyne–Stokes respiration)

  • Stroke

  • Brainstem disorders affecting respiratory drive

  • Neuromuscular disorders impairing respiratory muscles

• Metabolic and systemic causes

  • Metabolic acidosis

  • Sepsis

  • Severe systemic illness

  • Electrolyte disturbances affecting neuromuscular function

• Psychiatric causes

  • Anxiety

  • Panic attacks

  • Stress-related hyperventilation

• Medication effects (opioids, sedatives, anesthetics)

• Fatigue of respiratory muscles