What type of breathing pattern is indicated by "paradoxical" breathing?

Paradoxical breathing is characterized by a disassociation between the movement of the chest and the abdomen during respiration. In this type of breathing, as the chest rises, the abdomen may fall, leading to the term "paradoxical" because it defies the typical breathing mechanics where both the chest and abdomen generally move in synchrony.

This pattern is often seen in patients with certain respiratory distress conditions or injuries to the diaphragm, where abdominal movement may occur in opposition to what is expected during inhalation and exhalation. The contrasting movements can indicate underlying respiratory issues and may require further assessment and intervention. Understanding this breathing pattern is crucial for recognizing conditions such as diaphragmatic paralysis or other thoracic injuries that could impact normal respiratory function.