HYPOPNEA Meaning and
Definition
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Hypopnea is a medical term that refers to a partial or reduced airflow during breathing, typically due to a decrease in the depth or rate of breathing. It is commonly associated with sleep and is often observed in individuals with sleep-related breathing disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea.
During hypopnea, an individual experiences a noticeable reduction in airflow, but it is not as severe as a complete cessation of breathing observed in apnea. This reduction in airflow often leads to decreased oxygen levels in the bloodstream, resulting in an inadequate supply of oxygen to the body tissues.
Hypopnea is typically characterized by shallow or weak breathing, as opposed to the normal deep and rhythmic breathing pattern. It is often accompanied by disruptions in sleep, as the individual may wake up briefly or experience arousals throughout the night due to the effort to restore normal breathing.
One of the key methods used to diagnose hypopnea is the measurement of the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), which determines the severity and frequency of abnormal breathing events during sleep. The AHI is calculated by summing the total number of apneas and hypopneas per hour of sleep.
Treatment for hypopnea often involves addressing the underlying cause, such as managing underlying conditions or lifestyle factors that may contribute to the condition. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is a commonly prescribed treatment, where a machine delivers a constant flow of air pressure to the airways during sleep, keeping them open and preventing the occurrence of hypopnea events.
Common Misspellings for HYPOPNEA
Etymology of HYPOPNEA
The word "hypopnea" is derived from the Greek roots "hypo", meaning "under" or "below", and "pnoia", meaning "breathing" or "respiration". When combined, these roots give us "hypopnea", which refers to a partial or shallow breathing pattern during sleep.
Similar spelling words for HYPOPNEA
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