Complete cessation of breathing for any of a number of possible reasons.
Sudden stoppage of breathing which results from any process that strongly suppresses the function of the brain’s respiratory centre. It leads to lack of oxygen in the tissues and, if not remedied, to cardiac arrest, brain damage, coma and death. Treatment is artificial respiration and, if necessary, artificial ventilation. Causes of respiratory arrest include cardiac arrest, electrical injury, overdose of narcotic drugs, prolonged seizures (epilepsy), serious head injury, stroke or inhalation of noxious material that causes respiratory failure.
Abrupt interruption of breathing, which can arise from issues impacting the respiratory system like severe asthma, sudden worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or blockages in the airways. It can also result from factors that suppress the function of the brainstem’s respiratory center, including prolonged seizures, excessive opioid analgesic drug use, electrical trauma, significant head injury, or stroke. Additionally, cardiac arrest can lead to this condition.
Respiratory failure swiftly results in tissue oxygen deprivation known as anoxia. If not promptly addressed, this state advances to cardiac arrest due to decreased oxygen delivery to the coronary arteries, eventually leading to brain impairment, coma, and mortality. Immediate intervention involves administering rescue breathing and, if required, initiating ventilation using a ventilator. The underlying cause of the respiratory failure will also be addressed and treated.