Etymed
apnea
Definition
Temporary cessation of breathing
Clinical context
A 65-year-old male with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease presents to the emergency department with sudden onset of severe dyspnea and cyanosis. On examination, he is found to have periodic episodes of breathing cessation during sleep, with episodes of gasping and awakening. His arterial blood gas shows hypercapnia and hypoxemia. What condition best describes his breathing pattern?
Mnemonic
APNEA - Airway Pauses, No Exhalation, but still needs EASY breathing