Causes of Apnea
Apnea Causes: Book Excerpts
Apnea: Causes and Types
Causes of Types of Apnea: Review the cause informationfor the various types of Apnea:
Apnea as a complication of other conditions:
Other conditions that might have
Apnea as a complication may,
potentially, be an underlying cause of Apnea.
Our database lists the following as having
Apnea as a complication of that condition:
Apnea as a symptom:
Conditions listing Apnea
as a symptom may also be potential underlying causes of Apnea.
Our database lists the following as having
Apnea as a symptom of that condition:
- Aberrant subclavian artery abnormality
- Acute meningitis
- Anemia, Neonatal
- Arnold-Chiari malformation type 3
- Auriculo-condylar syndrome
- Bacterial meningitis
- Brun's syndrome
- Chemical poisoning - Ammonium Chloride
- Chemical poisoning - Barium
- Chemical poisoning - Camphor
- Chemical poisoning - Pyrimidifen
- Chemical poisoning - Strychnine
- Chemical poisoning - Tetramethylammonium Hydroxide
- Chemical poisoning - Vinyl Choride
- Chromosome 13 trisomy syndrome
- Congenital disorder of glycosylation type 1F
- Congenital disorder of glycosylation type 2B
- Convulsions, benign familial infantile, 1
- Convulsions, benign familial infantile, 3
- Convulsions, benign familial infantile, 4
- Disopyramide toxicity
- Eucalyptus Oil poisoning
- Funnel Web spider poisoning
- Gaucher disease - perinatal lethal form
- Hyperglycinemia
- Idiopathic alveolar hypoventilation syndrome
- Inborn amino acid metabolism disorder
- Infantile convulsions and paroxysmal choreoathetosis, familial
- Joubert Syndrome
- Leukoencephalopathy, arthritis, colitis, and hypogammaglobulinema
- Leukomalacia
- Malformations in neuronal migration
- Metabolic disorders
- Microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism types 1 and 3
- Necrotizing enterocolitis
- Neonatal bacterial meningitis
- Neonatal sepsis
- Non-ketotic hyperglycinemia
- Organic acidemia
- Perinatal-lethal Gaucher disease
- Pontocerebellar Hypoplasia Type 6
- Pseudoadrenoleukodystrophy
- Rett's syndrome
- Severe achondroplasia with developmental delay and acanthosis nigricans
- Streptococcal Group B invasive disease
- Stuve-Wiedemann dysplasia
- Stuve-Wiedemann syndrome
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
- Surfactant Metabolism Dysfunction
- Surfactant Metabolism Dysfunction, Pulmonary, 1
- Surfactant Metabolism Dysfunction, Pulmonary, 2
- Surfactant Metabolism Dysfunction, Pulmonary, 3
- Tonic seizure
- Trisomy 13 mosaicism
- Zanoli-Vecchi syndrome
Medications or substances causing Apnea:
The following drugs, medications, substances or toxins are some of the possible
causes of Apnea as a symptom.
This list is incomplete and various other drugs or substances
may cause your symptoms.
Always advise your doctor of any medications or treatments you are using,
including prescription, over-the-counter, supplements, herbal or alternative treatments.
Read more about medication causes of Apnea
Drug interactions causing Apnea:
When combined, certain drugs, medications, substances or toxins may react
causing Apnea as a symptom.
The list below is incomplete and various other drugs or substances may cause your symptoms.
Always advise your doctor of any medications or treatments you are using,
including prescription, over-the-counter, supplements, herbal or alternative treatments.
- Intramuscular Morphine and Cimetidine interaction
- Polymyxin B and Prochlorperazine interaction - Severe apnea
- more interactions...»
Read more about medication causes of Apnea
Related information on causes of Apnea:
As with all medical conditions,
there may be many causal factors.
Further relevant information on causes of Apnea may be found in:
Causes of Apnea: Online Medical Books
16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE!
Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration,
for more information about the causes of Apnea.
Apnea:
Differential Diagnosis
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)
-
Much apnea is physiologic and normal
–Post-sigh apnea is normal
–Newborns, especially premature babies, may
have irregular breathing as their respiratory control center matures
–Periodic breathing at high altitude
-
Prolonged apnea is respiratory arrest, and inadequate ventilation is respiratory failure, and both require immediate intervention
-
Apnea may be divided into central, obstructive, and mixed apnea; etiologies vary by age
-
Central apnea in infants
–Apnea of prematurity
–Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome
(CCHS, or Ondine curse)
–CNS depression (sepsis, shock, drug effect, RSV, seizure or postictal state)
–Respiratory muscle failure (e.g., myotonia, infantile botulism)
- Obstructive apnea in infants
–Upper airway obstruction (severe laryngomalacia, choanal atresia, macroglossia, micrognathia, subglottic stenosis or web, laryngospasm)
–Lower airway: Rarely causes obstructive apnea (tracheal stenosis, rings, slings)
- Central apnea in children
–CNS (drug-induced CNS depression, CCHS, abnormal CNS brainstem anatomy and function, sepsis/septic shock)
–Respiratory muscle failure (muscular dystrophy, myotonia, myasthenia gravis) - Obstructive apnea in children
–Upper airway obstruction, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), tonsillar and adenoidal hypertrophy, macroglossia, micrognathia, subglottic stenosis, laryngospasm
- Mixed apnea
–CNS depression and decreased upper airway tone
–Gastroesophageal reflux leading to increased parasympathetic activity and/or laryngospasm
–Respiratory muscle failure and adenoidal hypertrophy
-
Apparent life-threatening events (ALTE)
-
Trauma may cause apnea at any age
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Apnea:
Medical causes
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))
❑ Airway obstruction. Occlusion or compression of the trachea, central airways, or smaller airways can cause sudden apnea by blocking the patient’s airflow and producing acute respiratory failure.
❑ Brain stem dysfunction. Primary or secondary brain stem dysfunction can cause apnea by destroying the brain stem’s ability to initiate respirations. Apnea may arise suddenly (as in trauma, hemorrhage, or infarction) or gradually (as in degenerative disease or tumor). Apnea may be preceded by a decreased LOC and by various motor and sensory deficits.
❑ Neuromuscular failure. Trauma or disease can disrupt the mechanics of respiration, causing sudden or gradual apnea. Associated findings include diaphragmatic or intercostal muscle paralysis from injury or respiratory weakness or paralysis from acute or degenerative disease.
❑ Parenchymatous lung disease. An accumulation of fluid within the alveoli produces apnea by interfering with pulmonary gas exchange and producing acute respiratory failure. Apnea may arise suddenly, as in near drowning and acute pulmonary edema, or gradually, as in emphysema. Apnea may also be preceded by crackles and labored respirations with accessory muscle use.
❑ Pleural pressure gradient disruption. Conversion of normal negative pleural air pressure to positive pressure by chest wall injuries (such as flail chest) causes lung collapse, producing respiratory distress and, if untreated, apnea. Associated signs include an asymmetrical chest wall and asymmetrical or paradoxical respirations.
❑ Pulmonary capillary perfusion decrease. Apnea can stem from obstructed pulmonary circulation, most commonly due to heart failure or lack of circulatory patency. It occurs suddenly in cardiac arrest, massive pulmonary embolism, and most cases of severe shock. In contrast, it occurs progressively in septic shock and pulmonary hypertension. Related findings include hypotension, tachycardia, and edema.
Other causes
❑ Drugs. Central nervous system (CNS) depressants may cause hypoventilation and apnea. Benzodiazepines may cause respiratory depression and apnea when given I.V. along with other CNS depressants to elderly or acutely ill patients.
Neuromuscular blockers — such as curariform drugs and anticholinesterases — may produce sudden apnea because of respiratory muscle paralysis.
❑ Sleep-related apneas. These repetitive apneas occur during sleep from airflow obstruction or brain stem dysfunction.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006
Apnea:
Medical causes
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
Airway obstruction
Occlusion or compression of the trachea, central airways, or smaller airways can cause sudden apnea by blocking the patient’s airflow and producing acute respiratory failure.
Brain stem dysfunction
Primary or secondary brain stem dysfunction can cause apnea by destroying the brain stem’s ability to initiate respirations. Apnea may arise suddenly (as in trauma, hemorrhage, or infarction) or gradually (as in degenerative disease or tumor). Apnea may be preceded by decreased LOC and various motor and sensory deficits.
Neuromuscular failure
Trauma or disease can disrupt the mechanics of respiration, causing sudden or gradual apnea. Associated findings include diaphragmatic or intercostal muscle paralysis from injury, or respiratory weakness or paralysis from acute or degenerative disease.
Parenchymatous lung disease
An accumulation of fluid within the alveoli produces apnea by interfering with pulmonary gas exchange and producing acute respiratory failure. Apnea may arise suddenly, as in near drowning and acute pulmonary edema, or gradually, as in emphysema. Apnea also may be preceded by crackles and labored respirations with accessory muscle use.
Pleural pressure gradient disruption
Conversion of normal negative pleural air pressure to positive pressure by chest wall injuries (such as flail chest) causes lung collapse, producing respiratory distress and, if untreated, apnea. Associated signs include an asymmetrical chest wall and asymmetrical or paradoxical respirations.
Pulmonary capillary perfusion decrease
Apnea can stem from obstructed pulmonary circulation, most commonly due to heart failure or lack of circulatory patency. It occurs suddenly in cardiac arrest, massive pulmonary embolism, and most cases of severe shock; it occurs progressively in septic shock and pulmonary hypertension. Related findings include hypotension, tachycardia, and edema.
Other causes
Drugs
Central nervous system (CNS) depressants may cause hypoventilation and apnea. Benzodiazepines may cause respiratory depression and apnea when given I.V. along with other CNS depressants to elderly or acutely ill patients.
Neuromuscular blockers—such as curariform drugs and anticholinesterases— may produce sudden apnea due to respiratory muscle paralysis.
Sleep-related apneas
These repetitive apneas occur during sleep from airflow obstruction or brain stem dysfunction.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Apnea:
Medical causes
(Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series)
Airway obstruction
Occlusion or compression of the trachea, central airways, or smaller airways can cause sudden apnea by blocking the patient’s airflow and producing acute respiratory failure.
Brain stem dysfunction
Primary or secondary brain stem dysfunction can cause apnea by destroying the brain stem’s ability to initiate respirations. Apnea may arise suddenly (as in trauma, hemorrhage, or infarction) or gradually (as in degenerative disease or a tumor). Apnea may be preceded by a decreased LOC and by various motor and sensory deficits.
Neuromuscular failure
Trauma or disease can disrupt the mechanics of respiration, causing sudden or gradual apnea. Associated findings include diaphragmatic or intercostal muscle paralysis from injury, or respiratory weakness or paralysis from acute or degenerative disease.
Parenchymatous lung disease
An accumulation of fluid within the alveoli produces apnea by interfering with pulmonary gas exchange and producing acute respiratory failure. Apnea may arise suddenly, as in near drowning and acute pulmonary edema, or gradually, as in emphysema. Apnea also may be preceded by crackles and labored respirations with accessory muscle use.
Pleural pressure gradient disruption
Conversion of normal negative pleural air pressure to positive pressure by chest wall injuries, such as flail chest, causes lung collapse, producing respiratory distress and, if untreated, apnea. Associated signs include an asymmetrical chest wall and asymmetrical or paradoxical respirations.
Pulmonary capillary perfusion decrease
Apnea can stem from obstructed pulmonary circulation, most commonly due to heart failure or lack of circulatory patency. It occurs suddenly in cardiac arrest, massive pulmonary embolism, and most cases of severe shock. In contrast, it occurs progressively in septic shock and pulmonary hypertension. Related findings include hypotension, tachycardia, and edema.
Other causes
Drugs
CNS depressants may cause hypoventilation and apnea. Benzodiazepines may cause respiratory depression and apnea when given I.V. along with other CNS depressants to elderly or acutely ill patients.
Neuromuscular blockers
These medications, such as curariform drugs and anticholinesterases, may produce sudden apnea because of respiratory muscle paralysis.
Sleep-related apnea
These repetitive apneas occur during sleep from airflow obstruction or brain stem dysfunction.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series, 2007
Respiratory Distress and Apnea:
Principal Causes of Respiratory Distress (Neonatal)
(The Diagnostic Approach to Symptoms and Signs in Pediatrics)
- Upperrespiratory tract obstruction
- Lower respiratory tract disorders
- Transienttachypnea of the newborn
- Respiratory distress syndrome (hyalinemembrane disease)
- Meconium aspiration and other aspirationsyndromes
- Pneumonia
- Pulmonary air leaks
- Pulmonary hemorrhage
- Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
- Congenital malformations of the lungs,bronchi, diaphragm, and rib cage
- Lung agenesis and aplasia
- Pulmonary hypoplasia
- Pulmonary sequestration
- Lobar emphysema
- Cystic lung lesions
- Bronchogeniccyst
- Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation
- Intrapulmonary cysts
- Congenital pulmonary lymphangiectasia
- Chylothorax
- Bronchial malformations
- Diaphragm lesions
- Congenitaldiaphragmatic hernia
- Diaphragmatic eventration
- Diaphragmatic paralysis or paresis
- Rib cage anomalies
- Persistent fetal circulation
- Cardiac disorders
- Hematologic disorders
- Anemia
- Polycythemia
- Metabolic disorders
- Hypothermia
- Hypoglycemia
- Metabolic acidosis
- Neurologic and muscle disorders
- Braindisorders
- Spinal cord injury
- Neuromuscular disorders
- Drugs
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: The Diagnostic Approach to Symptoms and Signs in Pediatrics, 2006
Apnea:
Medical causes
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
Airway obstruction.Occlusion or compression of the trachea, central airways, or smaller airways can cause sudden apnea by blocking the patient's airflow and producing acute respiratory failure.
Brain stem dysfunction.Primary or secondary brain stem dysfunction can cause apnea by destroying the brain stem's ability to initiate respirations. Apnea may arise suddenly (as in trauma, hemorrhage, or infarction) or gradually (as in degenerative disease or tumor). Apnea may be preceded by a decreased LOC and by various motor and sensory deficits.
Neuromuscular failure.Trauma or disease can disrupt the mechanics of respiration, causing sudden or gradual apnea. Associated findings include diaphragmatic or intercostal muscle paralysis from injury or respiratory weakness or paralysis from acute or degenerative disease.
Parenchymatous lung disease.An accumulation of fluid within the alveoli produces apnea by interfering with pulmonary gas exchange and producing acute respiratory failure. Apnea may arise suddenly, as in near drowning and acute pulmonary edema, or gradually, as in emphysema. Apnea may be preceded by crackles and labored respirations with accessory muscle use.
Pleural pressure gradient disruption.Conversion of normal negative pleural air pressure to positive pressure by chest wall injuries (such as flail chest) causes lung collapse, producing respiratory distress and, if untreated, apnea. Associated signs include an asymmetrical chest wall and asymmetrical or paradoxical respirations.
Pulmonary capillary perfusion
decrease.Apnea can stem from obstructed pulmonary circulation, most commonly due to heart failure or lack of circulatory patency. It occurs suddenly in cardiac arrest, massive pulmonary embolism, and most cases of severe shock. In contrast, it occurs progressively in septic shock and pulmonary hypertension. Related findings include hypotension, tachycardia, and edema.
Other causes
Drugs.Central nervous system (CNS) depressants may cause hypoventilation and apnea. Benzodiazepines may cause respiratory depression and apnea when given I.V. along with other CNS depressants to elderly or acutely ill patients. Drug overdose can lead to respiratory depression and apnea.
Neuromuscular blockers—such as curariform drugs and anticholinesterases—may produce sudden apnea because of respiratory muscle paralysis.
Sleep-related apneas.These repetitive apneas occur during sleep from airflow obstruction or brain stem dysfunction.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
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