What is apnea?

Apnea refers to a temporary absence of breathing. It is a medical condition characterized by pauses in breathing that can last for varying lengths of time. These pauses can occur in both adults and children, often during sleep, and are significant enough to cause a reduction in oxygen levels in the body. It can lead to various health issues, especially if it is frequent or prolonged, such as in obstructive sleep apnea or central sleep apnea.

The concept of apnea is distinct from other respiratory conditions. For example, increased breathing rate refers to hyperventilation, which is an entirely different respiratory phenomenon. Similarly, difficulty breathing with wheezing usually indicates conditions like asthma or bronchitis, while a sound produced by obstructed airways suggests a different type of respiratory distress, such as stridor or snoring. Understanding these differences is essential for recognizing and defining various respiratory problems in clinical settings.