cheyne-stokes breathing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Technical, Medical
Quick answer
What does “cheyne-stokes breathing” mean?
A specific abnormal breathing pattern characterized by cycles of gradually increasing depth and frequency of breaths followed by a gradual decrease leading to a temporary cessation of breathing (apnoea/apnea), then repeating.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specific abnormal breathing pattern characterized by cycles of gradually increasing depth and frequency of breaths followed by a gradual decrease leading to a temporary cessation of breathing (apnoea/apnea), then repeating.
A sign of serious underlying medical conditions, often related to heart failure, brain damage, or end-stage diseases. It indicates a failure of the body's automatic respiratory control system.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily spelling: 'apnoea' (UK) vs. 'apnea' (US) in related descriptions. The term itself is identical.
Connotations
Identical high-level medical seriousness in both dialects.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language, used exclusively in medical contexts. No significant regional variation in usage frequency within the profession.
Grammar
How to Use “cheyne-stokes breathing” in a Sentence
The patient [verb: exhibited, developed, presented with] Cheyne-Stokes breathing.Cheyne-Stokes breathing [verb: is indicative of, suggests, is a sign of] [medical condition].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cheyne-stokes breathing” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Cheyne-Stokes pattern was unmistakable.
- She documented the Cheyne-Stokes respiration.
American English
- The Cheyne-Stokes pattern was unmistakable.
- He noted the Cheyne-Stokes cycles.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in medical and biological sciences literature discussing pathophysiology, neurology, or cardiology.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would only be used by a medical professional explaining a diagnosis to a patient/family.
Technical
Core term in clinical medicine, critical care, neurology, and palliative care documentation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cheyne-stokes breathing”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cheyne-stokes breathing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cheyne-stokes breathing”
- Misspelling as 'Chain-Stokes' or 'Cheyenne-Stokes'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'The patient is Cheyne-Stoking').
- Uncapitalizing the term.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While both involve apnoea, Cheyne-Stokes has a distinct crescendo-decrescendo pattern of breathing effort and is usually related to central neurological or cardiac issues, not upper airway obstruction.
Treatment focuses on the underlying cause (e.g., managing heart failure). In some cases, supplemental oxygen or specific ventilator support may be used, but it is a symptom of severe disease.
Yes, it is standard to capitalize both names and use a hyphen: 'Cheyne-Stokes breathing' or 'Cheyne-Stokes respiration'.
It is a highly specialized medical term. The general public is unlikely to encounter or use it outside of specific medical situations.
A specific abnormal breathing pattern characterized by cycles of gradually increasing depth and frequency of breaths followed by a gradual decrease leading to a temporary cessation of breathing (apnoea/apnea), then repeating.
Cheyne-stokes breathing is usually formal, technical, medical in register.
Cheyne-stokes breathing: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtʃeɪn ˈstəʊks ˈbriːðɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtʃeɪn ˈstoʊks ˈbriðɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Cheyne-Stokes cycles go High and Low, just like a Chain (Cheyne) that rises and falls, and the breathing Stops (Stokes).
Conceptual Metaphor
BREATHING IS A TIDE (waxing and waning) / BREATHING IS A CYCLE.
Practice
Quiz
Cheyne-Stokes breathing is most commonly associated with which condition?