apnea

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "apnea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a temporary or chronic condition involving difficulty breathing or pauses in breathing. For example: "My partner has been diagnosed with sleep apnea and needs to use a CPAP machine to help regulate their breathing while they sleep."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A postmortem revealed she died from ventricular hypertrophy (thickening of the cardiac muscle of the heart) and obstructive sleep apnea due to morbid obesity, Hull coroner's court heard.

The Guardian

Most recently she has encountered a condition she calls "e-mail apnea".

The Economist

Some of the known side-effects of testosterone-replacement therapy are sleep apnea (lapses in breathing at night), acne, enlarged breasts, smaller testicles and swelling of the ankles.

The Economist

The emphasis had to shift from the most common mechanism of death (i.e., irreversible cessation of the circulation) to the results that ensued when that mechanism came into operation: irreversible loss of the capacity for consciousness, combined with irreversible apnea.

Encyclopedia Britannica

During sleep, ventilation may swing between periods when the amplitude and frequency of breathing are high and periods in which there is little attempt to breathe, or even apnea (cessation of breathing).

Encyclopedia Britannica

This rhythmic waxing and waning of breathing, with intermittent periods of apnea, is called Cheyne-Stokes breathing, after the physicians who first described it.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Alone, of course, it does not imply death; patients with bulbar poliomyelitis, who may have apnea of brain-stem origin, are clearly not dead.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The condition, termed sleep apnea syndrome, occurs most commonly in the elderly, in the newborn, in males, and in the obese.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In some persons with sleep apnea syndrome, portions of the larynx and pharynx may be narrowed by fat deposits or by enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which increase the likelihood of obstruction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Chronic insomnia may require the temporary use of sedatives, hypnosis, or psychotherapy; apnea and its associated insomnia may be treated surgically.

Encyclopedia Britannica

During sleep and anesthesia, lowering carbon dioxide levels three to four millimetres of mercury below values occurring during wakefulness can cause a total cessation of breathing (apnea).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sleep disorders, specify the type of "apnea" (e.g., obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea) for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "apnea" casually; it refers to a potentially serious medical condition requiring diagnosis and treatment.

Linguistic Context

The term "apnea" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a temporary cessation of breathing, especially during sleep. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in medical and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

31%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "apnea", meaning the temporary cessation of breathing, is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun, especially in medical contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to describe a range of conditions, most notably sleep apnea. Its usage is predominantly formal and scientific, appearing in sources like Encyclopedia Britannica, The New York Times and The New Yorker. While "apnea" itself is correct, specifying the type, such as obstructive or central sleep apnea, enhances clarity. Alternatives like "cessation of breathing" or "respiratory arrest" can be used, though they may carry slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cessation of breathing

Focuses on the stopping of breath, a direct synonym for one aspect of apnea.

breathing cessation

Reverses the order of words but maintains the core meaning.

interrupted breathing

Highlights the intermittent nature of breathing difficulties.

stopped breathing

Simple and direct way to describe the condition, less formal.

respiratory arrest

A more clinical and severe term indicating a complete halt in breathing.

absence of respiration

Formally describes the lack of breathing activity.

breath-holding

Refers to the act of voluntarily or involuntarily holding one's breath.

temporary asphyxia

Indicates a temporary deprivation of oxygen due to interrupted breathing.

sleep disordered breathing

A broader term to encompass various sleep-related breathing problems, including apnea.

shallow breathing

Describes reduced airflow but doesn't necessarily mean complete cessation.

FAQs

How is "apnea" typically diagnosed?

Diagnosis usually involves a sleep study (polysomnography) to monitor breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and brain activity during sleep.

What are common treatments for sleep "apnea"?

Common treatments include Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy, lifestyle changes (weight loss, positional therapy), and, in some cases, surgery.

What's the difference between "apnea" and "dyspnea"?

"Apnea" refers to the complete cessation of breathing, while "dyspnea" refers to the sensation of shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

What are the potential health risks associated with untreated sleep "apnea"?

Untreated sleep "apnea" can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and other serious health problems.