Having shortness of breath is an extremely scary symptom that can be fatal, according to Cancerpage.com. Shortness of breath, in addition to wheezing, can be a side effect of many drugs, thus canceling out the effects of the drug.

A heartbeat consists of a two-part pump action that takes less than one second, according to the Texas Heart Institute. Normally, the heart follows a distinct beating pattern that properly sends blood through the blood vessels and supplies the body tissues with oxygen.

Bronchitis symptoms, such as wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing associated with allergies are the result of allergy-induced asthma. Allergy induced asthma is the most common type of asthma in the United States, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

Sinusitis occurs when your sinuses become inflamed and irritated. Sinusitis causes mucus to build up around your nasal passages, making it difficult for you to breathe through your nose. You may experience headaches, facial swelling and a throbbing feeling in your face if you suffer from sinusitis.

Shortness of breath while laying down -- a symptom medical professionals call orthopnea -- is concerning as it often suggests the presence of a serious underlying disease. Orthopnea can result from disorders of the heart, lungs and gastrointestinal system. It can also occur with obesity.

Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and any other organisms that can cause illness. According the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, pneumonia is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S.

Regular exercise offers many benefits for people with asthma, including less frequent asthma symptoms, and improved heart and physical fitness. Swimming is a healthy form of aerobic exercise for people with asthma, especially for those whose symptoms are triggered by outdoor allergies or cold temperatures.

An autoimmune disorder is an illness in which the body begins to attack its own healthy cells, producing inflammation and an overproduction of collagen, a naturally occurring protein that helps make up connective tissue and maintain skin elasticity.

Different parts of the lungs have different functions. The airways are responsible for transmitting gases between the lungs and the environment. The alveoli are millions of tiny sacs in the lungs that exchange gases between the lungs and the blood. The interstitium includes the tissues between the alveoli and airways.

Albuterol is a medication called a bronchodilator. It is used in the treatment of asthma by relaxing the muscles that surround the airways, allowing them to open up more and make breathing easier. The effects of albuterol occur within minutes and typically last for four to six hours.

Cavities in the lungs are formed by inflammation of lung tissue leading to the development of an abscess. When the abscess ruptures, the contents are expectorated, leaving behind an air- and fluid-filled cavity. Chest X-rays and computer tomography, or CT, scans can detect lung cavitations.

Yawning is often a mild characteristic of sleeplessness and fatigue. But when this semi-involuntary reflex becomes chronic because of a continual shortness of breath, it may be cause for concern. Excessive yawning may be a symptom of a number of adverse conditions, some more serious than others.