What is the term for the cessation of respiratory effort?

The term for the cessation of respiratory effort is apnea. This condition refers to a temporary or prolonged absence of breathing. In various contexts, apnea can be critical, as it signifies that an individual is not getting the oxygen needed for survival, which can lead to serious consequences if it persists. Recognizing apnea is vital for first responders, as they need to respond promptly to restore normal breathing or initiate appropriate interventions.

In contrast, dyspnea describes a sensation of difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath, hyperpnea refers to an increased depth and rate of breathing often associated with increased metabolic needs, and bradypnea denotes slower than normal breathing. Each of these terms describes different respiratory conditions but does not denote a complete cessation of respiratory effort. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in medical assessment and response.