apneuse

Apneuse is a term that refers to a state of breath-holding, typically involuntary. It is not a formal medical term but is often used in informal contexts to describe a person's temporary inability to breathe. This can occur for various reasons, including surprise, fear, or even during certain athletic activities like freediving where conscious breath-holding is practiced.

The physiological response to holding one's breath involves a buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood, which eventually triggers the urge to breathe. Apneuse can be a fleeting experience, often resolved by a gasp for air. In some cases, prolonged or uncontrolled apneuse could potentially lead to more serious consequences such as hypoxia, a condition of insufficient oxygen in the body.

While often associated with diving or instances of shock, apneuse can also be a symptom of underlying medical conditions. However, without a standardized medical definition, the term is generally understood through its common usage. When discussing breathing difficulties, medical professionals typically use more precise terminology like apnea, which refers to a cessation of breathing, or dyspnea, which denotes difficulty breathing.