Agonal breathing is a medical term for an abnormal breathing pattern that signals a severe medical emergency. It is not normal breathing and indicates a critical health event requiring immediate medical attention.
Understanding Agonal Breathing
Agonal breathing looks and sounds distinct from typical respiration. It often involves short, shallow gasps of air, which some describe as strange half-breaths with minimal chest movement. The sounds associated with agonal breathing can include snorting, gurgling, moaning, groaning, or labored breathing. This pattern is an involuntary reflex originating from the brainstem, rather than a conscious effort to breathe.
Despite the appearance or sound of breathing, agonal respirations do not provide the body with adequate oxygen. Even if a person appears to be gasping, they are not effectively breathing. It is important to distinguish agonal breathing from normal breathing or choking, as a choking person would typically be responsive and actively struggling.
How Long Agonal Breathing Typically Lasts
The duration of agonal breathing is usually brief, often lasting from a few seconds to a few minutes after a severe event like cardiac arrest. In the context of cardiac arrest, it typically persists for approximately one to four minutes. The exact time can vary depending on the underlying cause and individual circumstances.
This limited duration underscores the need for immediate action, as the body is rapidly being deprived of oxygen during this period.
The Underlying Causes of Agonal Breathing
Agonal breathing primarily occurs due to severe oxygen deprivation to the brain. This is most commonly observed during cardiac arrest, a condition where the heart stops effectively pumping blood throughout the body. When the brain does not receive enough oxygen, it triggers this reflexive breathing pattern as a last attempt to sustain function.
Beyond cardiac arrest, other severe medical conditions can also lead to agonal breathing. These include severe strokes, which can be caused by either a blockage or bleeding in the brain, as well as drug overdoses, drowning, or asphyxiation.
Responding to Agonal Breathing
If you witness someone exhibiting agonal breathing, immediate action is paramount. The first and most important step is to call emergency services, such as 911, without delay. Clearly communicate the situation to the dispatcher, describing the abnormal breathing you are observing. This initial call alerts medical professionals to a severe emergency.
After contacting emergency services, it is important to begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately if the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally. Do not wait to see if the agonal breathing improves, as it does not provide sufficient oxygen and indicates a need for intervention. For adults and teens, hands-only CPR is recommended, which involves pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest.
Starting CPR promptly can significantly increase the individual’s chances of survival. If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available nearby, retrieve it and follow its instructions, as it can deliver an electrical shock to help restore a normal heart rhythm. Continue chest compressions until emergency medical personnel arrive and take over.