Kussmaul breathing
noun
Kuss·maul breathing
| \ ˈku̇s-ˌmau̇l-
\
\
variants:
or Kussmaul's breathing \ -ˌmau̇lz-
\
or Kussmaul respiration
or Kussmaul's respiration
\
or Kussmaul respiration
or Kussmaul's respiration
Medical Definition of Kussmaul breathing
: abnormal deep, rapid, labored breathing that occurs as an involuntary response to severe acidosis (such as that associated with diabetes or kidney failure)
Note: Kussmaul breathing serves to give off large amounts of carbon dioxide which temporarily reduces acidosis but typically results in a deficiency of carbon dioxide in the blood.