Which term describes difficulty breathing?

The term that describes difficulty breathing is "dyspnea." This medical term specifically refers to the sensation of increased work or difficulty in breathing, which may accompany a variety of conditions, such as asthma, pneumonia, or heart failure. Dyspnea can be categorized into acute or chronic, depending on its onset and duration, and understanding it is crucial for medical professionals in diagnosing and managing patients with respiratory issues.

Dysphagia, on the other hand, refers to difficulty swallowing, which is a distinct process from breathing. Edentulous means lacking teeth, which is unrelated to respiratory functions, and effusion typically refers to the accumulation of fluid in a body cavity or space, not directly indicating any issues with breathing. Thus, dyspnea is accurately defined as the difficulty in breathing, making it the correct choice in this context.