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, from a forceful blow to the abdomen, or by falling on the back.

What happens to your body when you get winded?

If you have been winded, you will have difficulty breathing deeply and possibly difficulty breathing at all. You may be anxious or feel panicked about not being able to breathe properly. Specifically, a blow to this area which results in a winding causes compression of the nerves behind the stomach – the solar plexus.

What does it mean if you get winded easily?

You Get Easily Winded When You're Active

This could be a sign of anemia, a problem that happens when you don't have enough iron. You need iron to help your blood carry oxygen throughout your body. If you're not getting enough, it can make you feel short of breath or have chest pain when you exercise.