What condition involves stopped breathing?

Apnea refers to a temporary cessation of breathing, which can occur during sleep or even in different medical scenarios. This condition is characterized by pauses in breath that can last for a few seconds to minutes and may lead to decreased oxygen levels in the blood.

Understanding this condition is vital in various health contexts, such as sleep studies where obstructive sleep apnea can affect overall health and quality of life. It contrasts with dyspnea, which describes difficulty in breathing, and is not about stopping breath. Hypoxia relates to a state of insufficient oxygen in the tissues rather than a stoppage of breathing, while bronchitis involves inflammation of the bronchial tubes leading to coughing and mucus production, not a direct stoppage of breath. Hence, apnea correctly identifies the condition of stopped breathing.