Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 8, 2026

09:54
A Model to Simulate Clinically Relevant Hypoxia in Humans
Published on: December 22, 2016
9.5K
Behavioral Hyperventilation and Central Sleep Apnea in Two Children.
Summary
Behavioral hyperventilation can cause central sleep apnea in children. This condition may also lead to a prolonged corrected QT interval, impacting cardiac function.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Sleep Medicine
- Cardiology
Background:
- Central sleep apnea (CSA) in children has diverse etiologies.
- Behavioral hyperventilation is an underrecognized cause of respiratory disturbances during sleep.
Observation:
- Two pediatric cases presented with prolonged central sleep apnea.
- The apnea was directly linked to behavioral hyperventilation episodes.
Findings:
- Behavioral hyperventilation can induce central sleep apnea in pediatric patients.
- One patient exhibited a prolonged corrected QT (QTc) interval secondary to hyperventilation, indicating potential cardiac implications.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering behavioral hyperventilation in pediatric CSA diagnosis.
- Suggests a potential link between hyperventilation-induced apnea and cardiac repolarization abnormalities in children.
- Emphasizes the need for comprehensive evaluation in pediatric sleep-disordered breathing.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Sleep Apnea
786
Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops intermittently during sleep, often leading to significant health issues. Each episode can last from 10 to 20 seconds or more and is frequently accompanied by a brief arousal from sleep. This disturbance, largely unnoticed by the individual, can lead to severe daytime fatigue. Commonly, individuals seek help after being informed by their partners about loud snoring and noticeable breathing pauses during sleep.
The condition is more prevalent among...
The condition is more prevalent among...
786
Hyperpnea and Hyperventilation
4.1K
Hyperventilation refers to a higher-than-normal rate and depth of breathing, often associated with anxiety attacks. This excessive breathing surpasses the body's need to expel CO2, leading to a condition known as hypocapnia - an unusually low level of carbon dioxide in the blood. Hypocapnia can constrict cerebral blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the brain, which may result in dizziness or fainting. Early signs include tingling and muscle spasms in the hands and face, caused by falling...
4.1K
Alterations in Respiration II
2.4K
There are numerous types of normal and abnormal respiration. Based on ventilatory movements, breathing patterns are classified as regular, deep, or shallow. Examples include Biot's breathing, Cheyne-Stokes respiration, Kussmaul's breathing, hyperventilation, and hypoventilation. Each pattern is clinically significant and aids in evaluating patients.
In Biot's breathing, the respiratory rate and depth are irregular, alternating between periods of deep gasping and apnea. Common causes...
In Biot's breathing, the respiratory rate and depth are irregular, alternating between periods of deep gasping and apnea. Common causes...
2.4K
Chemical Factors Affecting Respiration Centers
2.8K
Chemical factors such as changing CO2, O2, and H+ levels in arterial blood play a critical role in influencing respiration depth and rates. These variations are detected by chemoreceptors—specialized sensors located in two primary body areas. Central chemoreceptors are found throughout the brain stem, including the ventrolateral medulla, while peripheral chemoreceptors are located in the aortic arch and carotid arteries.
CO2 has a potent influence on respiration and is strictly regulated....
CO2 has a potent influence on respiration and is strictly regulated....
2.8K
Respiratory Volumes and Capacities I
2.0K
Assessing the respiratory rate and rhythm for a complete minute is crucial for evaluating the breathing pattern. Even a minor increase in the patient's average respiratory rate, by as little as three to five breaths per minute, is an early and vital indicator of respiratory distress. Patients with a respiratory rate exceeding twenty-four breaths per minute require close monitoring to determine the physiological alterations. This careful observation is essential for prompt recognition and...
2.0K
Physiological Control of Respiration
6.9K
Introduction
Breathing, a seemingly passive process, is regulated by the respiratory center in the brainstem. This center coordinates the involuntary control of respirations, which means it occurs without conscious effort, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted pattern.
Regulation of Ventilation
The body maintains ventilation by monitoring levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), and hydrogen ion concentration (pH) in the arterial blood. Among these factors, the level of CO2 plays a crucial...
Breathing, a seemingly passive process, is regulated by the respiratory center in the brainstem. This center coordinates the involuntary control of respirations, which means it occurs without conscious effort, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted pattern.
Regulation of Ventilation
The body maintains ventilation by monitoring levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), and hydrogen ion concentration (pH) in the arterial blood. Among these factors, the level of CO2 plays a crucial...
6.9K

