What is the term for a temporary cessation of breathing?

Apnea refers to a temporary cessation of breathing, which can occur during sleep, as in sleep apnea, or in various medical conditions. This condition is significant because it can lead to decreased oxygen levels in the blood, and if prolonged, may result in serious health issues, including unconsciousness or even death. Understanding apnea is crucial in fields such as respiratory therapy and sleep medicine, where monitoring and managing breathing patterns is essential for patient care.

In contrast, eupnea describes normal, healthy breathing; hyperventilation indicates an increased rate and/or depth of breathing, often leading to decreased carbon dioxide levels in the blood; and tachypnea refers to abnormally rapid breathing. Each of these terms serves to describe different respiratory states, highlighting the uniqueness of apnea as a stoppage rather than a change in the rate or depth of breath.