Not able to fully exhale?

what you explained is an obstructive respiratory disorder. examples that kind of disorder is chronic bronchitis, copd, which is commonly seen with smokers, asthma, atelectasis, which is a collapse of alveoli ( where the oxygen is transfered from lung to blood stream), and ephysema. the only way to get a diagnosis is from a doctor. i dont know where you live, but there are clinics he could go to that charge maybe 40 bucks to be seen and if he needs a prescription, that will have to come out of pocket as well. i hope you two find out what it is and do it soon. its a horrible feeling not to be able to breath with ease. let me know if i can help with any information