From aiz- +‎ dusa (“sleep”), where the historical meaning of dusa as “breathing” is still visible.^[1]

• IPA^(key): [àjzdusa]

• Audio:

  (file)

aizdusa f (4th declension)

1. shortness of breath, dyspnea (difficult breathing)

   aizdusas lēkme ― an attack of shortness of breath, of dyspnea

   slimot ar aizdusu ― to be sick with dyspnea

   viņš jau ilgi cieš no aizdusas ― he has long suffered from shortness of breath

   Miķelsona kungs cīnījās pēc elpas... aizdusa viņam kā lietuvēns gūlās uz krūtīm; galva noslīga lejup ― Mr Michelson fought for air... the shortness of breath like a little devil lay down on (his) chest; (his) head sank down

• dusa
• dusēt