Lung ventilation: what is the difference between Kussmaul and Cheyne Stokes breathing?

By Cristiano Antonino On Jun 1, 2023

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The key difference between Kussmaul and Cheyne Stokes is that kussmaul is an abnormal breathing pattern characterized by a deep repaid breathing pace, while cheyne stokes is an abnormal breathing pattern characterized by a gradual increase and decrease in breathing

Kussmaul and Cheyne Stokes are two abnormal breathing patterns

Both these abnormal breathing types are characterized by fast breathing and too much CO2 in the body.

However, Kussmaul breathing does not alternate between fast and slow breathing as Cheyne stokes breathing does.

Moreover, Kussmaul breathing does not cause breathing to stop as Cheyne Stokes does.

What is Kussmaul?

Kussmaul is an abnormal breathing pattern characterized by a deep, repaid breathing pace.

This breathing pattern does not feature shallow breaths, apnea, or alterations in breathing patterns as Cheyne Stokes does.

Kussmaul breathing pattern can be observed in people who suffer from diabetic ketoacidosis or kidney failure.

Kussmaul breathing is a compensation mechanism in the above conditions to try and regain the balance between acid and alkaline in the body.

The other causes of Kussmaul breathing include organ failure, cancer, ingestion of toxins, overuse of alcohol, seizures, sepsis, and overexertion.

The symptoms of Kussmaul breathing include deep breathing, rapid breathing, and a respiratory rate that is even and consistent in rate and rhythm and gasping for breath.

Moreover, Kussmaul can be diagnosed through physical examination, arterial blood gas test, general metabolism pattern, urine test, blood sugar test, and electrolyte test.

Furthermore, treatment options for Kussmaul include managing underlying conditions such as diabetic ketoacidosis (intravenous fluid, electrolyte replacement, and insulin) and uremia (dialysis).

What is Cheyne Stokes?

Cheyne Stokes is an abnormal breathing pattern characterized by a gradual increase and decrease in breathing.

It is also known as periodic respiration.

Cheyne Stokes breathing can happen when people are awake, but it’s more common during sleep.

During sleep, it may happen more during non-rapid eye movement sleep than rapid eye movement sleep.

Normally, Cheyne Stokes is related to heart failure or stoke.

It can also be caused by brain tumors, traumatic brain injuries, high altitude sickness, encephalitis in the brain, increased intracranial pressure, and chronic pulmonary edema.

The symptoms of Cheyne Stokes include fatigue and excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty in breathing, loud snoring, sudden coughing fits, periodic limb movements during sleep, and severe shortness of breath.

The risk factors for this condition are neurological conditions and congestive heart failure.

Cheyne Stokes can be diagnosed through physical examination and polysomnography.

Furthermore, Cheyne Stokes is treated through heart failure management (medications, cardiac valve surgery, heart transplant pacemakers, and other devices), supplemental oxygen, and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).