Breathlessness (/ˈbrɛθləsnəs/) is a condition characterized by a difficulty or inability to breathe properly. The spelling of this word can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable is pronounced as "breθ," where the "θ" represents the voiceless dental fricative sound. The second syllable is pronounced as "ləs," with a schwa vowel sound followed by the voiceless alveolar fricative "s" sound. The final syllable is pronounced as "nəs," with the schwa vowel sound and the voiceless alveolar nasal "n" sound. Together, these sounds create the word breathlessness.
Breathlessness is a noun that refers to the state or condition of experiencing difficulty in breathing or catching one's breath. It is characterized by a feeling of inadequate oxygen intake or being unable to take a breath as fully or easily as usual. This sensation often leads to a sense of discomfort, heaviness, or tightness in the chest, and may be accompanied by shortness of breath, panting, or wheezing.
This condition can occur due to various factors, including physical exertion, emotional stress, underlying medical conditions, or exposure to intense environments such as high altitudes or polluted air. Breathlessness is commonly associated with respiratory conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, or allergic reactions that constrict the airways and impede normal breathing.
In addition to respiratory causes, breathlessness may also arise from cardiovascular problems such as heart failure, pulmonary embolism, or anemia, which affect the delivery of oxygen to the body. It can also be a symptom of anxiety or panic attacks, causing rapid and shallow breathing patterns.
Breathlessness can range from mild discomfort to severe distress, depending on its underlying cause and the individual's overall health. Treatment for breathlessness typically involves addressing the root cause, such as managing asthma or providing oxygen therapy. In cases where breathlessness is acute or sudden, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial to determine the underlying cause and prevent potential complications.
State of being out of breath.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "breathlessness" is derived from the root word "breathe", which comes from the Old English word "brēathian". This Old English term, in turn, originated from the Proto-Germanic word "braþōną". The addition of the suffix "-less" in "breathlessness" indicates the absence or lack of breath. Thus, "breathlessness" refers to the state of being without breath or experiencing difficulty breathing.