Which term describes the sensation of shortness of breath?

The term that describes the sensation of shortness of breath is "dyspnea." Dyspnea is a clinical term used to indicate difficulties in breathing and can range from mild discomfort to severe distress. It can be caused by a variety of conditions, such as respiratory diseases, heart problems, or anxiety.

In contrast, hypopnea refers to abnormally shallow or slow breathing, which does not directly denote the sensation of breathlessness. Orthopnea is specifically the difficulty in breathing when lying flat, which often alleviates when sitting or standing. Apnea describes a temporary cessation of breathing, which is different from the feeling of breathlessness. Understanding these distinctions is important for recognizing and responding to respiratory symptoms in a clinical setting.