Kussmaul's respirations are characterized by what type of breathing?

Kussmaul's respirations are characterized by progressively deep and labored breathing. This type of breathing pattern is typically seen in cases of metabolic acidosis, such as in diabetic ketoacidosis, where the body attempts to compensate for the acidosis by increasing ventilation to blow off carbon dioxide. As a result, the respirations become more pronounced, becoming deeper and potentially more labored in an effort to restore normal pH levels in the blood.

The hallmark of Kussmaul's respirations is the depth of each breath, which distinguishes it from other breathing patterns. The body is responding to an internal imbalance in a way that is distinctively different from shallow or quick breaths, which might be seen in other respiratory conditions. With Kussmaul's, the transition from normal to deeper and more forceful breaths is notable and serves a physiological purpose in addressing the metabolic distress.