DefinitionBreathing difficulties can be described in several different ways. You may be short of breath, unable to take a deep breath, gasping for air, or feel like you are not getting enough air.See also: ChokingAlternative NamesDifficulty breathing - first aid; Dyspnea - first aid; Shortness of breath - first aidConsiderationsIf you are having difficulty breathing, it is almost always a medical emergency (other than feeling slightly winded from normal activity like exercise or climbing a hill).CausesDifficulty breathing has many potential causes. Some of the most common are:Collapsed lung, which can happen if you have emphysema or Asthma, but may also happen spontaneously in young, healthy peopleHeart attackHeart disease, asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or heart failureHigh altitu