Shortness of breath

Breathing characterized by short rapid shallow breaths. Shortness of breath is observed in many different diseases and in both vacuity and repletion patterns. In repletion patterns, it is characterized by a rough sound usually associated with distension and fullness in the chest and abdomenand is attributable to phlegm or stagnant food affecting the normal bearing of qì. In vacuity patterns, it is generally a sign of major vacuity of original qì in enduring disease and is characterized by weak faint breathing and associated with physical fatigue and lassitude of spirit.

Comparison: Shortness of breath is similar to panting in that there is discontinuity between breaths (inability to catch one’s breath), but differs from panting by the absence of raising of the shoulders, of flaring nostrils, or of inability to lie flat. Scantness of breath is weak breathing and a faint voice. Patients suffering from repletion shortness of breath may tend to suffer from cough and panting. Those with vacuity shortness of breath tend also to have scantness of breath. Thus the dividing lines are not clear-cut. See also breathing.