You searched for: “apnea”
apnea (s) (noun), apnees (pl)
The momentary suspension of breathing or the absence of breathing: After completing the tests regarding Janet's sleeping difficulties during the night, Dr. Mathews told Janet that she had a condition of sleep apnea and she should definitely start treatment immediately.
This entry is located in the following unit: pneo-, -pnea, -pneic, -pnoea, -pnoeic, -pneo + (page 1)
apnea, apnoea (s) (noun); apneas, apnoeas (pl)
1. The temporary stopping of breathing that takes place in some newborns and in some adults while they are sleeping: Apnea disrupts Harriet's sleep or, sometimes, she wakes up completely or goes into a shallow level of sleep.

Apnea involves the cessation of breathing either temporarily for a few seconds to a minute or two or for a longer period, which can possibly cause someone to die.

Since breathing is an automatic process controlled by nerve impulses in the center of a brain stem to the muscles in the chest that regulate lung expansions and contractions, prolonged apneas can occur if the brain stem is damaged by a stroke, by a transient ischemic attack (symptoms of stroke lasting less than 24 hours), or by a head injury.

Prolonged apnea can also occur because of certain drugs or as the result of airway obstructions, usually by food, drink, vomit, or a small inhaled object.

2. In zoology, a decrease or a minimal breathing in hibernating animals: Natural apneas take place when animals have periods of dormant (sleep) inactivities which usually occurs in winter with certain rodents, bats, and some large carnivores; such as bears.
This entry is located in the following unit: a-, an- (page 16)
Word Entries containing the term: “apnea”
sleep apnea (s) (noun), sleep apneas (pl)
The temporary or permanent suspension of breathing while sleeping: Sleep apnea can be a brief suspension of breathing occurring repeatedly during sleep that often affects overweight people or those having an obstruction in the breathing tract, an abnormally small throat opening, or a neurological disorder.
This entry is located in the following unit: pneo-, -pnea, -pneic, -pnoea, -pnoeic, -pneo + (page 2)
Word Entries at Get Words containing the term: “apnea”
central sleep apnea
Brief interruptions of breathing during sleep caused by failure of the brain to send the appropriate signals to the breathing muscles to initiate respiration.

Central sleep apnea is less common than obstructive sleep apnea and can require mechanical ventilation.

This entry is located in the following unit: Sleep Subjects and Terms Related to Sleeping (page 1)
obsructive sleep apnea
Brief interruptions of breathing during sleep caused by physical obstruction to the flow of air.

The air cannot flow through the nose or mouth, although efforts to breathe are made by the person. The basic problem may be blockage in the mouth or nose.

Sleep apnea that is associated with air passage obstruction may require losing excessive weight, avoiding alcohol and sedatives, sleeping on one side, medications to relieve nasal congestion, a breathing device, or some kind of surgical procedure.

This entry is located in the following unit: Sleep Subjects and Terms Related to Sleeping (page 1)
sleep apnea
1. A temporary stoppage of breathing while sleeping, often resulting in daytime sleepiness.
2. Sleep apnea is classified as obstructive or central.

Medical treatment depends on the type of sleep apnea present

  • Sleep apnea which is associated with air passage obstruction may require losing excessive weight, avoiding alcohol and sedatives, sleeping on one side, medications to relieve nasal congestion, a breathing device, or surgical procedures.
  • Central sleep apnea is uncommon and caused by problems in the brain that impair the signals to breathe and can require mechanical ventilation.
This entry is located in the following unit: Sleep Subjects and Terms Related to Sleeping (page 1)