What is the term for difficult or labored respiration?

The term for difficult or labored respiration is "dyspnea." This medical term specifically describes the sensation of shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing, which can be caused by a variety of conditions such as asthma, heart failure, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Recognizing dyspnea is important in clinical settings as it can indicate underlying health issues that require attention.

Other terms like aspiration refer to the inhalation of food or liquid into the lungs, while respiratory distress describes a broader category of difficulties in breathing but lacks the specific definition of dyspnea. Hyperventilation is a condition where a person breathes very quickly and deeply, which is the opposite of struggling to breathe. Understanding these distinctions helps in accurately describing and diagnosing respiratory problems.