What Is Respiration?

• Respiration is the process by which oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged for the purpose of providing cellular energy to power the body. Case Western Medical School says that respiration and circulation work together to "optimize gas exchange." The brain sends signals to the lungs to take in oxygen, which is then circulated through the blood to the cells. Oxygen helps cells convert glucose to a nucleotide called ATP, which provides cells with the energy to keep vital organs working, move muscles and perform other necessary activities for survival.
  
  

Normal Respiration

• Normal respiration is deep and steady. Case Western Medical School says that the brain stem helps regulate the rhythm of breathing. Breathing rates may be higher when a person has been exercising, as the body needs to take in greater levels of oxygen to sustain the level of activity.
  
  

Abnormal Breathing While Awake

• Abnormal breathing while awake has several causes. Some types of abnormal breathing are caused by serious conditions such as heart failure. Cheyne-Stokes breathing, in which a person alternates breathing deeply with shallow breathing, often is indicative of this problem. Other serious breathing conditions while awake include Kussmaul respiration, which causes hyperventilation and prolonged inhalation; and persistent hyperventilation, which may be caused by a central nervous system disorder.
  
  

Abnormal Breathing While Asleep

• Breathing patterns are often different during the sleep cycle. Normally, breathing is shallower during some parts of the sleep cycle and may be irregular.
  The most common problem associated with respiration during sleep is sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition in which the person stops breathing or breathes irregularly while asleep. According to Patient UK, the sufferer normally wakes up during these episodes and is excessively sleepy during waking hours. Case Western Medical School says the person must partially wake up in order to restore respiration to normal.
  
  

Causes and Treatments

• A variety of problems can cause abnormal respiration, including heart problems, central nervous system problems, and respiratory system problems. If you are having breathing problems, see your doctor right away. Many breathing problems can be treated with medication; in extreme cases, surgery may be required to correct problems such as persistent sleep apnea.