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.