How is dyspnea best defined?

Dyspnea is best defined as shortness of breath. This term encompasses a subjective feeling of difficulty in breathing or a sensation of not getting enough air. Individuals experiencing dyspnea may describe their breathing as labored or uncomfortable, but the term itself highlights the perception of breathlessness rather than the specific mechanics of breathing.

While labored breathing can be a characteristic of dyspnea, it is not synonymous with the term. Dyspnea focuses more on the individual's experience and sensitivity to breathing difficulty. A marked increase in exhalation describes a specific respiratory pattern, but it does not capture the broader concept of shortness of breath. Similarly, a complete cessation of breath describes a more severe condition known as apnea, which is distinct from dyspnea, as it indicates a total lack of breathing rather than difficulty in breathing. Understanding dyspnea as shortness of breath helps to accurately identify and address respiratory distress in clinical settings.