Agonal respiration
| Agonal respiration | |
|---|---|
| Medical personnel performing chest compressions as part of ACLS | |
| Specialty | Emergency Medicine |
| Treatment | Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation |
Agonal respiration, gasping respiration, or agonal breathing is a distinct and abnormal pattern of breathing and brainstem reflex characterized by gasping labored breathing and is accompanied by strange vocalizations and myoclonus. Possible causes include cerebral ischemia, hypoxia (inadequate oxygen supply to tissue), or anoxia (total oxygen depletion). Agonal breathing is a severe medical sign requiring immediate medical attention, as the condition generally progresses to complete apnea and preludes death. The duration of agonal respiration can range from two breaths to several hours of labored breathing.[1]
The term is sometimes inaccurately used to refer to labored, gasping breathing patterns accompanying organ failure, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, septic shock, and metabolic acidosis.
End-of-life inability to tolerate secretions, known as the death rattle, is a different phenomenon.[2][3]
- ^ Perkin, RM; Resnik, DB (June 2002). "The agony of agonal respiration: is the last gasp necessary?". Journal of Medical Ethics. 28 (3): 164–9. doi:10.1136/jme.28.3.164. PMC 1733591. PMID 12042401.
- ^ Shimizu, Yoichi (July 2014). "Care Strategy for Death Rattle in Terminally Ill Cancer Patients and Their Family Members: Recommendations From a Cross-Sectional Nationwide Survey of Bereaved Family Members' Perceptions". Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. 48 (1): 2–12. doi:10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2013.07.010. PMID 24161372.
- ^ Wildiers, Hans; Menten, Johan (April 2002). "Death Rattle". Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. 23 (4): 310–317. doi:10.1016/S0885-3924(01)00421-3. PMID 11997200.