What term is used to describe the temporary stopping of breathing?

The term that describes the temporary stopping of breathing is "apnea." Apnea refers specifically to a condition where there is a pause in breathing, which can last for a few seconds to several minutes. This can occur during sleep (as in obstructive sleep apnea) or may be induced by other factors such as certain medical conditions or reactions.

Understanding why apnea is the correct term involves recognizing the distinctions in other respiratory terms. Dyspnea refers to difficulty breathing and is characterized by shortness of breath rather than an actual cessation of breath. Hypopnea describes a partial reduction in breathing, indicating that the individual is still breathing but at a diminished rate or volume. Orthopnea is a condition where an individual has difficulty breathing when lying flat, typically associated with heart failure or other respiratory issues, but does not signify a cessation of breathing either.

Focusing on apnea emphasizes its specific definition as a complete halt in breath, which is crucial for understanding respiratory conditions and their implications in sports medicine and other health-related fields.