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.
Common causes of breathing problems. A multitude of conditions can cause shortness of breath. However, the most common causes of severe breathing problems include: Infection of the lungs, such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and tuberculosis. Asthma. COPD. Heart failure. Elevated blood pressure in the brain due to tumor, stroke, or bleeding.