difficult breathing

USAGE SUMMARY

"difficult breathing" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe a medical condition, such as asthma, or to describe a feeling of strain while exercising. Example: "After running for a few minutes, he began to experience difficult breathing."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Leprosy is an infectious disease, with vocal involvement varying between hoarseness and difficult breathing.

Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology

All the kids on the stage cried out with difficult breathing sounds.

The Guardian

Fever, thirst, loss of appetite, and difficult breathing are signs of the disease.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Croup, acute respiratory illness of young children characterized by a harsh cough, hoarseness, and difficult breathing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The most common symptom of CF is difficult breathing, which is caused by lung infections that can be treated (but not cured) by antibiotics.

Stanford University

Heaves, also called broken wind, chronic disorder of the lungs of horses and cows, characterized by difficult breathing and wheezy cough.

Britannica

When these workers inhale its fumes, cadmium can pro duce a severe lung inflamma tion producing chest pain, cough and difficult breathing.

The New York Times

Chronic anthrax occurs mostly in swine and dogs and is characterized by marked swelling of the throat, difficult breathing, and a bloodstained frothy discharge from the mouth.

Britannica

The agency cautioned parents and health workers to watch for symptoms of overdose, like unusual sleepiness, difficulty being aroused or awakened, confusion or noisy and difficult breathing.

The New York Times - Health

Affected persons may experience difficulty in breathing after mild physical exertion and may suffer spasms of difficult breathing while resting in bed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Chronic poisoning from inhalation may cause a loss of the sense of smell, coughing, difficult breathing, weight loss, and injury of the liver and kidneys.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a patient's condition, be specific about the characteristics of the "difficult breathing". Is it rapid, shallow, labored, or accompanied by other symptoms like wheezing or chest pain?

Common error

Avoid attributing all instances of "difficult breathing" to anxiety or panic attacks. While these conditions can cause shortness of breath, many other medical issues, such as asthma, heart problems, and infections, can also be responsible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult breathing" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "difficult" modifies the noun "breathing". Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in describing a symptom or condition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

Encyclopedias

20%

News & Media

18%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "difficult breathing" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the sensation of struggling to breathe. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage. It is most frequently encountered in scientific, medical, and news contexts. When using the phrase, it’s important to be specific about the characteristics of the breathing difficulty and to avoid jumping to conclusions about the underlying cause. Related terms include /s/labored+breathing and /s/shortness+of+breath, each offering slightly different nuances. Caregivers need to recognize fast and "difficult breathing" as a sign that a child needs immediate medical help.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

breathing difficulty

A more direct rephrasing of the original term using a different structure of words.

labored breathing

This alternative emphasizes the effort required to breathe, suggesting significant respiratory distress.

shortness of breath

Focuses on the reduced volume of air inhaled, a common symptom of respiratory issues.

dyspnea

This is the medical term for difficult or labored breathing.

respiratory distress

Highlights the overall struggle and discomfort associated with impaired breathing.

trouble catching breath

Emphasizes the struggle to inhale and restore normal breathing patterns.

compromised respiration

Indicates that the respiratory function is impaired or weakened.

impaired ventilation

Highlights the mechanical aspect of breathing, suggesting reduced airflow.

feeling winded

Describes a temporary state of breathlessness, often after exertion.

asphyxia

Implies a severe condition of oxygen deprivation, representing a more critical level of breathing difficulty.

FAQs

How can I describe "difficult breathing" more precisely?

To describe "difficult breathing" more precisely, consider specifying whether it's rapid, labored, shallow, or accompanied by symptoms such as wheezing or chest pain. Using descriptive terms helps provide a clearer picture of the condition.

What are some common causes of "difficult breathing"?

Common causes of "difficult breathing" include asthma, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart conditions, anxiety, and allergic reactions. If you experience /s/trouble+breathing or /s/shortness+of+breath it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional.

When should I seek medical attention for "difficult breathing"?

Seek immediate medical attention for "difficult breathing" if it's sudden, severe, accompanied by chest pain, dizziness, confusion, loss of consciousness, or bluish discoloration of the lips or face. These could be signs of a serious underlying condition.

What's the difference between "difficult breathing" and /s/shortness+of+breath?

"Difficult breathing" is a general term describing any discomfort or struggle with breathing. /s/Shortness+of+breath specifically refers to the sensation of not getting enough air. While related, they aren't always interchangeable as one focuses on the experience and the other on perceived air intake.