Breathing consists of inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide. The respiratory system is a group of organs and tissues that assists in the function of breathing. Any damage or blockage to the respiratory system, including the airways, lungs and muscles, can cause heavy breathing. Heavy breathing typically occurs from overexertion or stress; however, heavy breathing also can be a sign of a serious medical problem. A health care provider can assist in diagnosing and treating heavy breathing.
Obesity
Obesity is one of the prominent causes of heavy breathing. Obesity puts many people at higher risk for diseases and disorders such as high blood pressure, diabetes, coronary heart disease and breathing problems. Heavy breathing tends to occur with obesity because of reduced lung functions and obstructed airways. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services notes that studies have found that obesity appears to predispose toward airway hyper-responsiveness and changes in lung development. The condition can also aggravate breathing problems such as asthma and make controlling asthma symptoms more difficult.
Bronchitis
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which are the tubes that carry air to the lungs. There are two main types of bronchitis: acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis occurs most often from viruses that cause the common cold, infection and irritants to the lungs. This short-term version of bronchitis tends to last from a few days to 10 days, although some symptoms may last longer. Chronic bronchitis is an ongoing form of bronchitis that can cause permanent inflammation and thickening of the bronchial tubes. Diagnosis of chronic bronchitis usually occurs if a person coughs for at least three months a year in two consecutive years, according to MayoClinic.com. The main symptoms of both acute and chronic bronchitis include wheezing and heavy breathing, coughing, overproduction of mucus, chest discomfort and shortness of breath.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an inflammatory lung infection caused by bacteria, fungi, germs and viruses. Adults usually experience pneumonia from bacteria, whereas viruses commonly cause pneumonia in infants and adolescents. Pneumonia tends to affect infants, older adults, people with health problems and those with weakened immune systems more often, and it can be life-threatening if not treated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that every 15 seconds a child dies from pneumonia and that the condition causes more deaths than any other infectious diseases. Various types of pneumonia exist, and each can affect people differently. The most common symptoms of pneumonia include breathing problems, coughing, fever, shaking chills, fatigue, muscle pain and excessive sweating.
