What it means
The ending in every word about how a person breathes. Put a word part in front of it and the word names a kind of breathing: dyspneaDISP-nee-uhDifficult or labored breathing, or the feeling of not getting enough air.dys- difficult-pnea breathingFull entry is difficult breathing, orthopneaor-THOP-nee-uhDifficulty breathing when lying flat that eases when sitting or standing up.ortho- upright-pnea breathingFull entry is breathing that is only comfortable upright, apnea is no breathing at all, and tachypnea and bradypnea are breathing that is too fast or too slow.
Remember it
Hear "pnea", think "pneumatic": air moving in and out.
Related terms
ortho-
A word beginning that means straight, upright or correct.
dys-
A word beginning that means difficult, painful or not working normally.
dyspnea
Difficult or labored breathing, or the feeling of not getting enough air.
orthopnea
Difficulty breathing when lying flat that eases when sitting or standing up.