Medical Encyclopedia breathing difficulty that results from disease or injury. See Heimlich maneuver for first aid for choking .
Shortness of breath associated with heart failure is due to fluid backing up into the lungs.
High altitudes can cause breathing problems, even in young people. Direct trauma to the neck or chest can cause breathing problems. Internal injuries are often more severe than they look. DO NOT place a pillow under the victim's head if he or she is lying down. This can close the airway.