I had this discussion with my DH just the other day. When you breathe shallowly (i.e. huff and puff, or pant) you don't get enough air into your lungs to exchange the new (inhaled) air with the old (which should be exhaled). This is not quite scientific
but when you huff and puff basically you take a little air into your lungs and immediately exhale it again. Practice taking deeper breaths, and if you've ever done yoga, you'll know that it's much easier to breathe deeper if you use your belly muscles. Your belly should expand on the inhale and relax on the exhale.