Accessory muscle breathing means using muscles other than those typically used for breathing to take in and expel air. One example is the subclavius — between the collarbone and the top rib — which ...

Susan Russell, MD, is a board-certified pulmonologist and Medical Director of Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) for Northwestern Memorial Hospital's Medical ICU. Muscle strain commonly causes chest ...

Labored breathing can be normal if it's during exercise or intense activity. However, labored breathing can also be caused by heart attacks, heart failure, or COPD. Therefore, seek medical attention ...

Difficulty breathing is a symptom of many conditions, including colds and flu, anxiety, asthma, COPD, emphysema, heart attacks, and more. Physical exertion and obstructions are also possible causes.