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.
There are also health conditions like asthma that can lead to rapid breathing and a lack of air, and since asthma and related conditions are scary, that can also cause anxiety. It's important to note that you should always visit a doctor if you feel like lack of air is a problem.