Definition
Apnea is the temporary suspension of respiratory movements, associated with the interruption of air flow for more than 15 seconds. This action can be voluntary (exploited, for example, during scuba diving without a respirator), but it cannot be sustained for more than a few minutes.
The apnoic state is a physiological condition during fetal life, as the fetus is supplied with oxygen through the placenta and the umbilical cord.
Pathologically, apnea can occur in preterm infants due to immaturity of the central nervous system or airway obstruction.
Apnea can also be found in the presence of conditions that inhibit the functioning of the nerve centers responsible for respiratory control. These include uremic intoxication and breathing in a rarefied atmosphere.
Airflow interruption and respiratory pause can be seen as a consequence of neurological diseases (multiple sclerosis and some ischemia of the brainstem) or physical trauma.
Also noteworthy are the obstructive or central apneas that develop during sleep.
Furthermore, apnea can be pharmacologically induced (for example, by the administration of morphine or adrenaline) or mechanically (eg strangulation).
Possible Causes * of Apnea
- Night apnea
- Aspergillosis
- Bronchiolitis
- Respiratory Distress
- Encephalitis
- Cerebral ischemia
- Multiple sclerosis
- Pickwick syndrome
