The inability to breathe quickly enough to supply the oxygen needed.
The sensation of having difficulty breathing comfortably. Shortness of breath is also referred to as dyspnea and is commonly associated with exercise or physical exertion. A person experiencing shortness of breath may feel that he or she has an insufficient supply of air and is unable to inhale and exhale fast enough or deeply enough. This may be accompanied by a n increased exertion of the chest muscles, which may produce a sensation of tightness in the chest. There may be anxiety because of the urgency sensed in not getting enough air.