What term describes infant breathing patterns that alternate regular breathing with 5-10 seconds of apnea?

The term that describes infant breathing patterns characterized by alternating regular breathing with 5-10 seconds of apnea is known as periodic breathing. This phenomenon is a normal pattern often observed in infants and is marked by a rhythmic cycle of rapid breathing followed by pauses where breathing temporarily ceases. This behavior typically reflects the immature respiratory control system in infants, and while it may appear concerning, it is generally considered a normal and developmentally appropriate occurrence in this age group.

In contrast, apneustic breathing represents a pattern characterized by prolonged inspiration followed by a pause before expiration, which is not typical in infants. Irregular breathing includes a variety of sporadic breathing patterns that do not fit the more structured framework of periodic breathing. Cheyne-Stokes breathing, on the other hand, involves a cycle of progressively deeper and then shallower breathing, often followed by periods of apnea, and is more commonly associated with certain medical conditions rather than a typical infant breathing pattern.