Which term describes shortness of breath?

• A. Dyspnea
• B. Orthopnea
• C. Tachypnea
• D. Respiratory Distress

Answer: (A)

Shortness of breath is described by the term dyspnea. It’s the subjective experience of breathing difficulty that a person reports, which can arise from many different conditions affecting the lungs, heart, or circulation. Orthopnea is specifically breathlessness that occurs when lying down and improves when upright, pointing to issues like fluid buildup or heart failure. Tachypnea means an abnormally fast breathing rate, which is an objective sign rather than the sensation itself. Respiratory distress refers to a more severe, clinically apparent state with labored breathing and signs like use of accessory muscles. So for the sensation of breathlessness itself, the correct term is dyspnea.