Heavy Breathing: 10 Causes You Shouldn't Ignore

By Vanshika Gaur
28 Feb 2025, 09:00 IST

Heavy breathing can occur due to an infection or illness. If you are not doing any physical activity but still experiencing heavy breathing, it may indicate poor fitness and need for improvement. Here are a few reasons why you may be breathing heavily. Tap to read!

Asthma

Heavy breathing occurs in people with asthma as the lungs become inflamed, making it difficult for air to get in and out of the lungs.

Obesity

People with obesity often experience heavy breathing as their excess weight puts pressure on the respiratory system, making it hard for the lungs to expand.

Sinus

When you catch a cold, the sinuses get blocked, making it difficult to breathe. While there may not be any heavy breathing unless there’s an underlying disease.

Anxiety

When we become anxious, our body tenses up and starts hyperventilating, leading to rapid, heavy breathing and sometimes mild pain in the chest.

Lung Cancer

In the later stages of lung cancer, heavy breathing occurs as the tumour obstructs the airways, damages the lung tissue, and reduces the lungs' capacity.

Allergies

When the immune system reacts to normal environmental substances, it causes allergies, which can affect breathing and lead to heavy breathing.

Respiratory Infections

Lung infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and more are caused by bacteria, which inflame and swell the lungs and narrow airways causing heavy breathing.

COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a group of lung diseases, including chronic bronchitis, that damage the airways and alveoli, making it hard to breathe.

Cardiovascular Issue

When the heart is not able to pump blood effectively, it affects the circulation of oxygen in the body leading to heavy breathing.

Fever

When we have a fever, the body increases metabolism to control body temperature. It increases the need for oxygen and it leads to heavy breathing.

Information Credits

According to PubMed, COPD and Cardiovascular issues lead to heavy breathing due to inflamed lungs. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional if you are experiencing heavy breathing.