Getting the wind knocked out of you is a temporary condition that occurs when a sudden force is applied to the upper central region of the abdomen and solar plexus. This can happen in contact sports, from a forceful blow to the abdomen, or by falling on the back. When this happens, the diaphragm, which is a dome-shaped muscle under the lungs responsible for breathing, contracts or gets tense instead of doing its usual thing to help you breathe. This can cause a spasm in your diaphragm, making you feel like you cant breathe normally for a little bit. The sensation of being unable to breathe 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. Victims of such a "winding" episode often groan in a strained manner until normal breathing resumes. Loosening restrictive garments and flexing the hips and knees can help relieve the symptoms. If a person is struck in the chest and subsequently faints, it may suggest that the blow has affected the heart, which is a potential emergency that demands immediate medical attention. Similarly, a fall and ensuing blow to the head may indicate a concussion, another case where urgent medical intervention is necessary. However, getting the wind knocked out of you is relatively harmless in long-term health and carries very few, if any, side effects.