noun a medical condition characterized by the stopping of breathing for short periods during sleep
In the field of medicine, apnoea refers to the temporary cessation of breathing, especially during sleep (sleep apnoea). It can also occur in premature babies or as a result of certain medical conditions.
In neurology, apnoea may be associated with conditions affecting the brainstem or respiratory centers, leading to episodes of breath-holding or irregular breathing patterns.
Pediatricians often encounter cases of apnoea in infants and children, which can be caused by various factors such as infections, neurological issues, or anatomical abnormalities.
Apnoea is a critical concern in intensive care settings, where patients may experience apnoeic episodes requiring immediate intervention to maintain adequate oxygen levels.
Apnoea is a key term in respiratory therapy, as it involves the study and treatment of breathing disorders such as sleep apnoea, central apnoea, and obstructive apnoea.
In medical writing, a writer may discuss the symptoms, causes, and treatments of sleep apnoea in articles or blog posts.
Psychologists may work with patients who have sleep apnoea to address any psychological factors that may be contributing to their condition, such as anxiety or stress.
Medical doctors may diagnose and treat patients with sleep apnoea, prescribing CPAP machines or other interventions to help improve their quality of sleep.
Sleep specialists specialize in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders such as apnoea, using a variety of tools and techniques to help patients get better sleep.