We all breathe, and most of us don't give it a second thought until we have trouble breathing. The simple act of breathing is actually a complicated system of bringing oxygen into the body and exhaling the waste material, carbon dioxide, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Dysfunction anywhere along the sophisticated structures of the nose, throat, esophagus or lungs can cause breathing problems.
Excess Carbon Dioxide
When someone breathes too fast, he is hyperventilating. Breathing too rapidly causes low levels of carbon dioxide in the blood, according to Medline Plus. Hyperventilation may be caused by stress, agitation and pain or complications from medical conditions such as diabetes or heart failure.
Foreign Objects or Excess Mucus
Coughing is the body's attempt to rid the lungs of irritants and fluids. A cough can be caused by something as simple post-nasal drip or be a sign of a very serious disease such as cancer. A cough lasting more than three or four weeks should be investigated by a medical professional. Smoking can lead to a persistent cough, especially in the elderly, according to the American Geriatric Society Foundation on Health in Aging (AGS). AGS goes on to say that 90 percent of persistent coughs among non-smokers are due to mild respiratory problems, such as asthma, or post-nasal drip due to sinus congestion.
Effects of Narrowing Passages
Air is delivered to the lungs through flexible tubes that get narrower as they get closer to the lungs. These passages are lined with small muscles that spasm and contract when they get irritated, making it more difficult for the air to move. This results in wheezing. Asthma, post-nasal drip, smoking and bronchitis can cause wheezing.
Overexertion
Even healthy people can feel out of breath if they overexert themselves, but becoming short of breath simply getting out of a car or walking a short distance can be a warning sign of a respiratory problem.
Obstructive Features
Some people stop breathing in their sleep, a condition known as sleep apnea. People who suffer from sleep apnea may stop breathing several times each night, according to MayoClinic.com. The most common type is called obstructive sleep apnea, and this describes a condition where the muscles of the throat relax and block the airway. Anyone can suffer sleep apnea, but it seems to affect those who are older or obese more frequently.
Effects of Excessive Fluids
Pneumonia means there is excess fluid in the lungs. It is a potentially serious condition and medical assistance should be sought. There are many causes for pneumonia, including viral infection, respiratory disease and chronic conditions.
