Hard breathing is a symptom of difficulty in breathing, often accompanied by a feeling of tightness in the chest. It can be caused by a variety of conditions, including asthma, allergies, or a respiratory infection. In some cases, it may also be a sign of a serious underlying condition. Hard breathing usually starts with a feeling of tightness in the chest and difficulty taking in a full breath. This may be accompanied by wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath. As the condition progresses, the difficulty in breathing may become more severe, leading to very labored breathing and a feeling of exhaustion.