When you're short of breath, your breathing muscles get tense. It's hard to take a deep breath. You may worry that you're not getting enough air. Then you start breathing faster. And you become more short of breath. You may even start to panic. This makes symptoms seem worse. Often, people with chronic lung disease try to prevent this cycle. They limit their activity, stay at home, and don't do anything that could cause shortness of breath. You don't have to live this way.