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.
Some of the more common causes include: 1  Fever - An increased rate of breathing with a fever as the body attempts to lose heat by breathing faster. 2  Dehydration â Dehydration alone can result in a rapid rate of breathing. 3  Asthma â During an asthma attack, respiratory rate is often increased.