Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsDrug-Related CausesNondrug CausesIs Hospitalization Needed?TreatmentsRisks If Untreated
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Drug-Related Causes
Nondrug Causes
Is Hospitalization Needed?
Treatments
Risks If Untreated
Respiratory depression, also known as hypoventilation, refers to abnormally high levels ofcarbon dioxidein the blood due to shallow breathing.Hypoventilation can be a side effect of certain medications and drugs, such asopioids,benzodiazepines, and alcohol, as well as various neuromuscular disorders. If left untreated, respiratory depression can lead to fatal complications.
This article will go over everything you need to know about respiratory depression, including symptoms, causes, treatment options, and more.
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Symptoms: Respiratory Depression and Breathing Effects
The primary symptom of respiratory depression is labored, shallow, and/or slow breathing. Normally, we breathe in oxygen through our lungs and exhale carbon dioxide as a waste product after our body has gotten the oxygen it needs. Hypoventilation makes it harder to breathe in deeply, leading to excess carbon dioxide in the blood.
In addition to shortness of breath, symptoms of respiratory depression may include:
Respiratory Depression vs. HyperventilationHyperventilation is sometimes confused with respiratory depression because both conditions lead to shortness of breath. However, hyperventilation refers to rapid, deep breathing that leads to excess levels of oxygen and reduced levels of carbon dioxide in the blood. In addition to breathlessness, symptoms of hyperventilation include:Heart palpitationsChest painDizzinessNumbnessTinglingMuscle spasmsDifficulty sleeping
Respiratory Depression vs. Hyperventilation
Hyperventilation is sometimes confused with respiratory depression because both conditions lead to shortness of breath. However, hyperventilation refers to rapid, deep breathing that leads to excess levels of oxygen and reduced levels of carbon dioxide in the blood. In addition to breathlessness, symptoms of hyperventilation include:Heart palpitationsChest painDizzinessNumbnessTinglingMuscle spasmsDifficulty sleeping
Hyperventilation is sometimes confused with respiratory depression because both conditions lead to shortness of breath. However, hyperventilation refers to rapid, deep breathing that leads to excess levels of oxygen and reduced levels of carbon dioxide in the blood. In addition to breathlessness, symptoms of hyperventilation include:
Drug-Related Respiratory Depression Causes
Many different medications and drugs that have a sedating or “depressive” effect on the central nervous system can lead to respiratory depression. This is especially true if you misuse drugs, take multiple drugs at once, and/or take them in excessively large doses.
Some of the drugs that can cause respiratory depression include:
Nondrug Respiratory Depression Causes
Aside from drugs, other potential causes of respiratory depression include:
Respiratory Depression DiagnosisTo diagnose you with respiratory depression, your healthcare provider may perform imaging and lab tests, including:ChestX-raysComputed tomography(CT) scanArterial blood gas(ABG) tests to measure the amount of carbon dioxide and oxygen in your bloodLung function testsHemoglobin and hematocrit blood testsSleep studies
Respiratory Depression Diagnosis
To diagnose you with respiratory depression, your healthcare provider may perform imaging and lab tests, including:ChestX-raysComputed tomography(CT) scanArterial blood gas(ABG) tests to measure the amount of carbon dioxide and oxygen in your bloodLung function testsHemoglobin and hematocrit blood testsSleep studies
To diagnose you with respiratory depression, your healthcare provider may perform imaging and lab tests, including:
Does Respiratory Depression Require Hospitalization?
Mild cases of respiratory depression may cause relatively few symptoms or no symptoms at all. Sometimes, symptoms such as fatigue andshortness of breathdevelop gradually over time. These cases can often be treated at home or on an outpatient basis.
However, acute respiratory depression is a medical emergency and needs to be treated right away. If your oxygen levels are low enough (and/or your carbon dioxide levels are high enough), you may lose consciousness. Organ damage is possible without adequate treatment.
Treatments to Reverse Respiratory Depression Symptoms
Respiratory depression can often be treated withoxygen therapy. It may also be treated with:
Depending on the cause of your symptoms, your healthcare provider may also recommend:
Risks of Untreated Respiratory Depression
Untreated respiratory depression can lead to serious and even fatal health complications, such as:
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you or someone you know is showing signs of having stopped breathing, such as:
How to Recognize Agonal Breathing
Summary
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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