Biot's breathing and apnoea: pathological and non-pathological characteristics and causes
Biot’s Breath is a pathological form of breathing characterised by alternating groups of 4 or 5 short, shallow breaths followed by apnoea phases of varying duration, but usually between 10 and 30 seconds
This type of breathing is a manifestation of severe distress of the bulbar respiratory centre and is a serious prognostic indicator.
Biot’s Breath owes its name to its discoverer, Camille Biot, who described it in 1876
It is also called intermittent breathing or ataxic breathing although according to some, Biot’s breathing should be distinguished from ataxic breathing as the former appears more regular while ataxic breathing is characterised by completely irregular breaths and pauses.
Common pathological causes of Biot’s breathing
- endocranial tumours;
- meningitis;
- encephalitis;
- head trauma;
- cerebral oedema;
- uncal or tentorium herniations.
Common non-pathological causes of Biot’s Breath:
This type of pathological breathing is often associated with the use of opioid substances.
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