-pnea is the suffix used to describe breathing. Example: tachypnea (abnormally rapid breathing).
- plegia is the suffix used to indicate paralysis. Example: quadriplegia (four limb paralysis).
-phagia is the suffix used to indicate swallowing. Example: dysphagia (disordered swallowing).
- ptosis is the suffix used to indicate the dropping, sagging, or prolapse of something.
Learning Point: The suffix “-pnea”, used to describe respiration or breathing, is commonly confused with the root word “pneum” which refers to the lungs. Common uses of the suffix “-pnea” in medical settings include:
- tachypnea (abnormally rapid breathing)
- dyspnea (difficulty breathing)
- apnea (absence of breathing)
