Dyspnea

Term: DyspneaDefinition: Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath, often experienced by individuals exposed to asbestos.Phonetic Pronunciation: (disp-NEE-uh)Origin: The term 'dyspnea' originates from the Greek words 'dys', meaning difficult, and 'pnoia', meaning breathing. It has been used in medical literature since ancient times to describe respiratory distress.Significance in Asbestos Context: Dyspnea is a common symptom among individuals with asbestos-related diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. It is a critical indicator for diagnosing and monitoring the progression of these conditions, directly impacting the quality of life for affected individuals.Example Sentence: After years of working with asbestos insulation, the patient began experiencing severe dyspnea, which led to the diagnosis of asbestosis.Related Terms: Asbestosis, Mesothelioma, Respiratory Distress, Shortness of Breath, Pulmonary Function TestNotes: - Dyspnea can be exacerbated by physical activity or even at rest in severe cases. - It is important for individuals with a history of asbestos exposure to report any episodes of dyspnea to their healthcare provider promptly.