Which term describes an absence of breathing?

The term that describes an absence of breathing is apnea. This condition signifies a temporary cessation of breath, which can occur for various reasons, such as during sleep (obstructive sleep apnea) or as a result of certain medical emergencies.

Dysphonia refers to a voice disorder characterized by difficulty in speaking or producing sound, which is unrelated to breathing itself. Dyspnea, on the other hand, is the term used to describe a sensation of shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing, indicating that breathing is present but not functioning normally. Stridor is a specific type of abnormal breath sound produced during inhalation due to narrowing of the airway, which can indicate a blockage or irritation in the breathing passages but does not signify a complete absence of breathing like apnea does.

Understanding these terms is crucial in clinical settings for diagnosing and treating respiratory conditions accurately.