Ornament
Breathing Hard: What Could Be the Problem?
PREMIUM

Breathing Hard: What Could Be the Problem?

The causes of shortness of breath can be either temporary or ongoing. Although temporary shortness of breath can be scary, it is not dangerous. However, ongoing shortness of breath can be a symptom of serious problems that require close attention.

Dr. Helga
Article author

Dr. Helga

General practitioner

Why heavy breathing occurs

Heavy breathing can be caused by inhalation and exhalation issues. Inspiratory difficulties are related to inspiratory shortness of breath, which is often accompanied by headache, congestion in the ears, weakness, attacks of suffocation, and increased sweating. Expiratory difficulties are characterized by difficulty in exhaling. There are chest pains, pale lips and skin, increased venous pressure, and general weakness. Mixed difficulties could be linked to lung diseases such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, bronchial asthma, or emphysema.

Nothing to be afraid of

Frequent and sometimes labored breathing (difficulty breathing) after a run or exercise is normal. If breathing returns to normal within 1–3 minutes, everything is fine.

Another common cau...

Premium Content

This article contains exclusive premium content. Get full access to expert health insights, personalized recommendations, and much more with Ornament Health.

Full Articles

Access all expert articles

Health Tracking

Track your health metrics

Test Results

Store and analyze test results

Get Ornament Health

Start your health journey today

October 28, 2025
You can discuss. Open this post in the Ornament app and add your opinion.