Why do you get short of breath when your arms are above head?

When your arms are raised overhead, your chest cavity expands and your diaphragm (the muscle that separates your chest from your abdomen) can move up and down. This increases the volume of your lungs and allows more air to flow in and out.

However, when your arms are above your head, the volume of your rib cage decreases which puts pressure on your lungs and makes it more difficult to breathe in deeply. This can cause shortness of breath, especially if you have a respiratory condition like asthma or emphysema.

In addition, when your arms are above your head, your heart rate and blood pressure may increase, which can also make breathing feel more difficult.

If you feel short of breath when your arms are above your head, it's important to stop what you're doing and rest for a while. You may also want to try lowering your arms and/or taking some deep breaths. If you have a respiratory condition, talk to your doctor about how to manage shortness of breath.