Word Origin & History. aphorism 1520s (especially in ref. to the Aphorisms of Hippocrates), from M.Fr. aphorisme, from L.L. aphorismus, from Gk. aphorismos definition, pithy sentence, from aphorizein to mark off, divide, from apo- from + horizein to bound..
Further information: List of causes of shortness of breath. While shortness of breath is generally caused by disorders of the cardiac or respiratory system, other systems such as neurological, musculoskeletal, endocrine, hematologic, and psychiatric may be the cause. DiagnosisPro, an online medical expert system, listed 497 distinct causes in October 2010.
Breathing problems can also occur as a result of aspiration pneumonia, which results from the inability to clear secretions from the nose and throat, or from swallowing difficulties that result in inhalation of food particles into the lungs.ome medications, such as tranquilizers, muscle relaxants and opioid analgesics, can depress breathing. The use of these medications should be carefully monitored in anyone with a history of respiratory distress or swallowing problems.