apnoea

apnoea - Cessation of breathing, either temporarily or for a prolonged period. Breathing is an automatic process controlled by the respiratory centre in the brainstem. Failure of this centre to maintain normal breathing is known as central apnoea. It may occur in babies, particularly those who are premature, and can be detected by an apnoea alarm.

Central apnoea can also result from brainstem damage, for example following a stroke or head injury. In obstructive apnoea, breathing is prevented by a blockage in the airway. The most common type is sleep apnoea, in which blockage of the upper airway occurs repeatedly during sleep.

Deliberate temporary apnoea occurs in breath-holding attacks. Another type of apnoea occurs in Cheyne–Stokes respiration, in which cycles of deep, rapid breathing alternate with episodes of breathing stoppage.

Treatment of apnoea depends on the cause. In newborn babies, it resolves as they mature. In stroke or head injury, artificial ventilation may be needed temporarily until recovery occurs.