Definition

Noun: - Abnormally slow or shallow breathing: A medical term describing a respiratory event characterized by a significant reduction in airflow or breathing depth compared to normal levels, often during sleep.

Usage

This term is primarily used in medical and clinical contexts, especially in relation to sleep disorders. It describes a specific type of breathing pattern that is insufficient for normal gas exchange. - It is often quantified and diagnosed during a sleep study (polysomnography). - It is frequently discussed in contrast to apnea (a complete cessation of breathing) and in the context of sleep-disordered breathing.

Examples

• The patient's sleep study revealed frequent episodes of hypopnea.
• Hypopnea is a key metric in diagnosing the severity of obstructive sleep apnea.
• Treatment for sleep apnea often aims to reduce both apneas and hypopneas per hour.

Advanced Usage

• Hypopnea Index (HI): A measurement of the number of hypopneas per hour of sleep.
• Obstructive Hypopnea: A hypopnea event caused by a partial blockage of the upper airway.
• Central Hypopnea: A hypopnea event related to reduced respiratory effort from the brain, not a physical obstruction.

Variants and Related Words

• Hypopneic (adjective): Relating to or characterized by hypopnea.
  • The patient displayed a hypopneic breathing pattern.
• Apnea (noun): A temporary cessation of breathing.
• Bradypnea (noun): Abnormally slow breathing rate.
• Dyspnea (noun): Difficult or labored breathing.

Synonyms

• Shallow breathing
• Insufficient breathing
• Reduced ventilation

Antonyms

• Eupnea: Normal, good, unlabored breathing.
• Hyperpnea: Increased depth and rate of breathing.

Noun

1. slow or shallow breathing