What condition is characterized by rapid, shallow breathing and a feeling of breathlessness?

The condition characterized by rapid, shallow breathing and a feeling of breathlessness is dyspnea. This term specifically refers to the subjective experience of shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, which can manifest in a variety of situations including exercise, anxiety, or underlying medical conditions.

In contrast, hypoxia refers to a deficiency of oxygen in the tissues, which may or may not cause dyspnea directly. Hyperventilation involves rapid or deep breathing that often leads to decreased levels of carbon dioxide in the blood and can result in symptoms of lightheadedness or tingling, but it does not always include the sensation of breathlessness. Apnea is a temporary cessation of breathing, which fundamentally differs from the continuous effort to breathe that characterizes dyspnea. Thus, dyspnea is the most accurate descriptor for rapid, shallow breathing accompanied by a sense of breathlessness.