dyspnea

dyspnea /d;sp;ni;;/

Definition: difficulty or labored breathing; shortness of breath

Origin: The word "dyspnea" comes from the Greek roots "dys-" meaning "difficult" and "pnoia" meaning "breathing."

Example: The patient presented with dyspnea, gasping for air and struggling to take a full breath.

"Shortness of breath" is a common way to describe the meaning of "dyspnea." It refers to the condition when a person experiences difficulty or discomfort while breathing. Labored breath often occurs as a result of various underlying medical conditions, such as asthma, pneumonia, or heart failure. It can be characterized by shortness of breath, rapid or shallow breathing, and a feeling of suffocation. Dyspnea can significantly impact a person's daily activities and overall quality of life. It is important to seek medical attention if experiencing labored breath to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.