What term describes a general difficulty in breathing?

The term that describes a general difficulty in breathing is dyspnea. This condition can manifest as shortness of breath or an uncomfortable awareness of breathing, and it can arise from various underlying health issues, including respiratory or cardiovascular problems. Dyspnea is a common symptom in patients with cancer, especially when the disease affects the lungs or surrounding structures.

In the context of the other terms, orthopnea specifically refers to difficulty in breathing that occurs when a person is lying flat, often relieved by sitting or standing. Dysphagia relates to difficulty swallowing, while dyschezia refers to the difficulty or pain in the passage of stool. These terms highlight specific symptoms that are distinct from the general concept of difficulty in breathing addressed by dyspnea.