Respiratory depression

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Respiratory Depression

Respiratory depression (pronounced: /rɪˌspɪrəˈtɔːri dɪˈprɛʃən/), also known as hypoventilation (pronounced: /ˌhaɪpoʊˌvɛntɪˈleɪʃən/), is a medical condition characterized by reduced rate and depth of breathing. The etymology of the term comes from the Latin respirare meaning "to breathe" and the Latin deprimere meaning "to press down or lower".

Causes

Respiratory depression can be caused by various factors including, but not limited to, opioid use, barbiturate use, alcohol consumption, brain injury, and certain diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and sleep apnea.

Symptoms

Symptoms of respiratory depression may include shortness of breath, fatigue, headache, confusion, and in severe cases, unconsciousness or coma.

Treatment

Treatment for respiratory depression often involves addressing the underlying cause. This may include reducing or discontinuing use of certain medications, treating underlying diseases, or in severe cases, use of a ventilator to assist with breathing.

Related Terms

  • Hypoxia: A condition in which there is not enough oxygen in the body or a region of the body.
  • Hypercapnia: An excess of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream, typically caused by inadequate respiration.
  • Bradypnea: Abnormally slow breathing rate.

See Also

External links

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