Hengityspausi

Hengityspausi, often translated as breath-holding or apnea, refers to a temporary cessation of breathing. This can occur voluntarily or involuntarily. Voluntary breath-holding is common in activities like swimming, freediving, or during certain yoga practices. Involuntary breath-holding can happen in response to sudden cold exposure, such as diving into cold water, a phenomenon known as the diving reflex. It can also be a symptom of medical conditions, including sleep apnea, where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, or certain neurological events.

During a voluntary breath-hold, the body conserves oxygen and tolerates rising carbon dioxide levels. The diving reflex, triggered by cold water stimulating the face, slows the heart rate and redirects blood flow to vital organs, further conserving oxygen. Involuntary breath-holding due to medical conditions can have serious health consequences, leading to oxygen deprivation and potentially affecting brain function and other bodily systems. Medical evaluation is crucial if breath-holding occurs without a clear voluntary or physiological reason. Management of involuntary breath-holding depends entirely on the underlying cause.