What condition refers to difficult or labored breathing?

Dyspnea is defined as difficult or labored breathing. It is a symptom that can occur due to a variety of underlying conditions, such as respiratory illness, heart problems, or stress and anxiety. The term conveys a sensation of not being able to breathe comfortably or adequately.

Orthopnea refers specifically to shortness of breath when lying flat, often associated with heart failure. Apnea is the absence of breath, indicating a temporary cessation of breathing, which is not the same as labored breathing. Hyperpnea indicates an increased rate and depth of breathing, which can occur in various situations, including exercise or metabolic demand, but does not specifically refer to the labored quality of breathing that dyspnea does.