Definition and Characteristics of Periodic Breathing - Periodic breathing is clusters of breaths separated by intervals of apnea or near-apnea. - It is defined as three or more episodes of central apnea lasting at least 4 seconds. - The episodes are separated by no more than 30 seconds of normal breathing. - Periodic breathing can occur during sleep. - It is usually central sleep apnea rather than obstructive sleep apnea.

Occurrence of Periodic Breathing in Adults - Periodic breathing during sleep typically occurs in adult patients with congestive heart failure. - It was originally thought to arise from serious neurologic or cardiovascular disease. - However, it can also occur in healthy persons. - The outlook for periodic breathing is no longer considered poor. - The apnea in periodic breathing is usually central sleep apnea.

Occurrence of Periodic Breathing in Infants - Periodic breathing is a normal variation of breathing found in premature and full-term infants. - It occurs when the infant has pauses in breathing for no more than 10 seconds at a time. - These pauses are followed by a series of rapid, shallow breaths. - Periodic breathing in infants may be accompanied by minor oxygen desaturation and bradycardia. - It typically resolves in the first six months of life.

Statistics on Periodic Breathing in Infants - Studies have shown that 78% of healthy full-term infants experience episodes of periodic breathing in the first two weeks of life. - Periodic breathing in infants can occur during deep sleep, light sleep, or even when awake. - The pauses in breathing are not triggered by any external stimulation or intervention. - Periodic breathing in infants is characterised by pauses in breathing followed by a return to normal breathing without any intervention. - It is a normal developmental process in infants.

References - Berry RB, Budhiraja R, Gottlieb DJ, Gozal D, Iber C, Kapur VK, et al. (October 2012). Rules for scoring respiratory events in sleep: update of the 2007 AASM Manual for the Scoring of Sleep and Associated Events. - Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. 8 (5): 597–619. doi:10.5664/jcsm.2172. PMC3459210. PMID23066376. - Kelly DH, Stellwagen LM, Kaitz E, Shannon DC (1985). Apnea and periodic breathing in normal full-term infants during the first twelve months. - paediatric Pulmonology. 1 (4): 215–9. doi:10.1002/ppul.1950010409. PMID4069810. S2CID20652322. - This respiratory system article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.