Cheyne-Stokes Respiration (also known as Cheyne Stokes Respiration, Respiration, Cheyne-Stokes): An abnormal pattern of breathing characterized by alternating periods of apnea and deep, rapid breathing. The cycle begins with slow, shallow breaths that gradually increase in depth and rate and is then followed by a perio

NIH MeSH · D002639Diseases

Cheyne-Stokes Respiration

Also known asCheyne Stokes Respiration · Respiration, Cheyne-Stokes

Definition

An abnormal pattern of breathing characterized by alternating periods of apnea and deep, rapid breathing. The cycle begins with slow, shallow breaths that gradually increase in depth and rate and is then followed by a period of apnea. The period of apnea can last 5 to 30 seconds, then the cycle repeats every 45 seconds to 3 minutes.

MeSH classification

  • C08.618.182
  • C23.888.852.227

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Related concepts

Acidosis, Respiratory

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Airway Obstruction

Any hindrance to the passage of air into and out of the lungs.

Alkalosis, Respiratory

A state due to excess loss of carbon dioxide from the body. (Dorland, 27th ed)

Common questions about Cheyne-Stokes Respiration

What does Cheyne-Stokes Respiration mean in medicine?
An abnormal pattern of breathing characterized by alternating periods of apnea and deep, rapid breathing. The cycle begins with slow, shallow breaths that gradually increase in depth and rate and is then followed by a period of apnea. The period of apnea can last 5 to 30 seconds, then the cycle repeats every 45 seconds to 3 minutes. This definition is taken from the National Library of Medicine's MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) 2026 release, which is the standard vocabulary used to index PubMed and most medical literature.
Is Cheyne-Stokes Respiration known by any other names?
Yes. Cheyne-Stokes Respiration is also referred to as Cheyne Stokes Respiration, Respiration, Cheyne-Stokes in different clinical, research and patient-facing contexts. The MeSH descriptor groups all of these synonyms under a single canonical concept so research and records stay consistent.
Where does Cheyne-Stokes Respiration sit in the medical classification?
Cheyne-Stokes Respiration falls under the broader medical category "Diseases" in the MeSH hierarchy (tree numbers: C08.618.182, C23.888.852.227). Browsing the related concepts on this page takes you to neighbouring topics in the same branch of medicine.
Where can I get a plain-language explanation of Cheyne-Stokes Respiration?
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Source: NIH MeSH 2026 (D002639) — National Library of Medicine, public domain. View official MeSH record ↗