What is an indicator that a patient is not breathing normally?

The presence of gasping for air indicates that a patient is not breathing normally. Gasping is an abnormal respiratory effort often seen in cases of severe distress, indicating that the body is struggling to obtain oxygen. This irregular and ineffective breathing pattern is typically associated with a lack of adequate ventilation and may occur in critical conditions such as cardiac arrest or severe respiratory failure.

In contrast, a consistent rate of breathing, evenly spaced breaths, and controlled breathing patterns generally suggest normal respiratory function. These characteristics are typical among individuals who are breathing adequately, as they indicate a stable and effective ventilation process. Abnormalities such as gasping serve as a critical warning sign requiring immediate medical intervention.