What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
apnea
Example
He suffers from sleep apnea and uses a CPAP machine at night. [apnea: noun]
Example
The doctor diagnosed her with obstructive sleep apnea. [apnea: noun]
asphyxia
Example
The firefighter rescued the child from asphyxia by performing CPR. [asphyxia: noun]
Example
She experienced asphyxia symptoms after inhaling toxic fumes. [asphyxia: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Apnea is more commonly used than asphyxia in everyday language, especially in the medical field. Apnea is a specific term used to describe sleep-related breathing disorders, while asphyxia is a broader term that can be used in different contexts related to suffocation or lack of oxygen.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between apnea and asphyxia?
Both apnea and asphyxia are formal terms used in medical contexts. They are not commonly used in informal or casual conversations.
