How is apneustic respiration characterized?

Apneustic respiration is characterized by a specific pattern of breathing that involves a prolonged, deep inhalation followed by a significant pause before exhalation. This pattern can appear as a gasping inhalation that is then held for a moment, leading to the distinctive characteristic of a pause in breathing after the deep breath. It is often associated with damage to the respiratory centers in the brain, particularly in conditions affecting the pons or upper medulla.

The unique feature of the prolonged inhalation followed by a delay in exhalation differentiates it from other types of respiratory patterns. Rapid shallow breathing, irregular hyperventilation, or choppy breathing with alternating patterns do not adequately describe the characteristics of apneustic respiration, which is specifically defined by the deep gasping inhalation followed by a pause. Understanding apneustic respiration is crucial in clinical settings, particularly for assessing the neurological status of patients.