What type of breathing is characterized by increased depth and rate, often associated with metabolic acidosis?

The type of breathing characterized by increased depth and rate, commonly associated with metabolic acidosis, is Kussmaul breathing. This pattern is a physiological response to help the body eliminate excess carbon dioxide and maintain acid-base balance. When the body experiences a state of metabolic acidosis, it compensates by hyperventilating, which increases airflow into the lungs and enhances the removal of carbon dioxide. The deep, labored breathing often observed in Kussmaul breathing serves this exact purpose, distinguishing it from other types of breathing patterns that may not be linked to metabolic disturbances.

In contrast, ataxic breathing is marked by irregular breathing patterns, Cheyne-Stokes breathing involves a cyclical pattern of breathing with periods of apnea, and eupnea refers to normal, relaxed breathing. These other breathing patterns do not typically indicate metabolic acidosis, which is why Kussmaul breathing is specifically highlighted in this context.