“Getting the wind knocked out” is a common, intensely uncomfortable sensation experienced after an unexpected blow to the chest or abdomen. It describes a temporary inability to breathe normally, often accompanied by breathlessness. This sensation is common in contact sports or after a fall, typically resolving on its own within a short period.
The Science Behind Getting the Wind Knocked Out
The medical term for getting the wind knocked out is phrenospasm, which refers to a sudden, involuntary spasm of the diaphragm. The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle located beneath the lungs that plays a central role in breathing. When you inhale, the diaphragm contracts and moves downward, and when you exhale, it relaxes and moves upward.
A forceful impact to the upper central abdomen, particularly near the solar plexus, can cause this diaphragm muscle to temporarily contract or even become paralyzed. This disruption prevents the diaphragm from moving properly, making it difficult to inhale or exhale effectively. The vagus nerve, which innervates the diaphragm and plays a role in respiration, can also be affected by such an impact, contributing to the temporary breathing interruption. This results in the alarming but usually brief sensation of being unable to catch your breath.
Is Getting the Wind Knocked Out Life-Threatening?
The sensation of having the wind knocked out, caused by a diaphragm spasm, is generally not life-threatening. It is a benign, self-resolving event where normal breathing typically resumes within a minute or two. The temporary inability to breathe, while distressing, does not usually lead to a lack of oxygen severe enough to cause lasting harm.
However, it is important to distinguish this temporary diaphragm spasm from other, more serious injuries that might occur from the same impact. A forceful blow to the chest or abdomen could, in rare instances, cause internal damage to organs such as the spleen, liver, or kidneys. Blunt force trauma can also lead to rib fractures or injuries to the heart or lungs, which present with symptoms similar to being winded but are considerably more serious. While the diaphragm spasm itself is harmless, the underlying impact that caused it could, in unusual circumstances, result in significant issues.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While getting the wind knocked out typically resolves quickly, certain signs warrant immediate medical evaluation. Persistent difficulty breathing or shortness of breath that lasts more than a few minutes is a reason to seek care.
Severe chest pain that does not improve, or pain accompanied by signs of a rib fracture like sharp pain when moving or coughing, indicates a need for medical assessment. Other concerning symptoms include coughing up blood, loss of consciousness, confusion, or disorientation after the incident. Severe abdominal pain, especially if it worsens or is accompanied by bruising or distention, also requires prompt medical attention.