Getting the wind knocked out of you

Getting the wind knocked out of you is a commonly used idiom that refers to a kind of diaphragm spasm that occurs when sudden force is applied to the abdomen which puts pressure on the solar plexus. This often happens in contact sports, a forceful blow to the abdomen, or by falling on the back. It results in a temporary paralysis of the diaphragm that makes it difficult to breathe.^[1] This can lead to anxiety and there may be residual pain from the original blow, but the condition typically clears spontaneously in a minute or two. This can lead to continued difficulty breathing, standing, or sitting.

See also

• Heimlich maneuver

References

Notes

Sources

• MacAuley, D (2007). Oxford Handbook of Sport and Exercise Medicine. Oxford University Press. p. 572. ISBN 0-19-856839-8. 
• Shultz, Sandra J.; Houglum, Peggy A.; Perrin, David H. (2005). Examination of Musculoskeletal Injuries. Human Kinetics. p. 567. ISBN 0-7360-5138-4. 
• "Getting the Wind Knocked Out of You" at kidshealth.org