Breathing absent temporarily

Alternative names:

respiration slowed or stopped; respiratory arrest; apnea

Definition:

The absence of spontaneous respiration. For first aid, see information on CPR under the Injuries heading.

Considerations:

Apnea is a life-threatening disorder that requires immediate medical attention.

In infants (particularly those who were born prematurely) and children, the most common cause of cardiac arrest (lack of an effective heartbeat) is respiratory arrest. In adults, the opposite occurs; cardiac arrest leads to respiratory arrest.

Common causes:

• breath-holding spells
• head or brain stem injury
• near-drowning
• foreign object aspiration or ingestion
• drug overdose (see drug abuse first aid)
• cardiac arrest
• bronchospasm (asthma)
• sleep apnea
• premature infant
• bronchiolitis
• drugs such as alcohol, anesthetics, anticholinesterase inhibitors, barbiturates, curariform drugs (with aminoglycosides), diazepam (with CNS depressants) and narcotic analgesics

Note: There may be other causes of apnea. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for apnea, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.

Update Date: 02/09/00
Updated by: J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director, Utah Health Informatics and adam.com editorial