How Do You Spell COGWHEEL BREATHING?

1. Cogwheel breathing is a medical term used to describe an abnormal pattern of breathing characterized by the presence of rhythmic interruptions or pauses in the airflow during respiration. It is named after the cogwheel mechanism, which consists of interconnected rotating gears with teeth that engage and disengage, resulting in a jerky or halting motion.

   In the context of respiratory physiology, cogwheel breathing refers to an irregular respiratory pattern in which the flow of air is interrupted intermittently. These brief pauses, also known as respiratory syncopation, occur due to the synchronization between the rhythm of breathing and the opening and closing of the glottis (the space between the vocal cords).

   Cogwheel breathing may be observed in certain medical conditions affecting the respiratory system, such as supraglottic stenosis, vocal cord dysfunction, or upper airway obstruction. It is often associated with increased effort and work of breathing, leading to symptoms like dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest tightness, wheezing, or coughing.

   The term "cogwheel breathing" is primarily used by medical professionals to accurately describe this distinctive abnormal respiratory pattern. Its recognition and understanding are crucial for physicians to identify and diagnose the underlying causes, guiding appropriate treatment and management strategies for patients experiencing cogwheel breathing.

2. A jerky interruption of the breath sounds heard at times by auscultation.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for COGWHEEL BREATHING

The term "cogwheel breathing" combines two words:

1. Cogwheel: The word "cogwheel" refers to a type of gear or wheel with projecting teeth that interlock with another wheel or gear. It is derived from the combination of "cog" (a projecting tooth on a gear or wheel) and "wheel".

2. Breathing: The word "breathing" pertains to the inhaling and exhaling of air, essential for sustaining life. It originates from the Old English word "brǣð", which means "odor, scent, exhalation".

When combined, "cogwheel breathing" describes a pattern of irregular or interrupted breathing that resembles the way cogs in a wheel engage and disengage. This term is commonly used in medical or respiratory contexts to describe specific breathing patterns observed in certain conditions or diseases.