gasp for air
To gasp or pant heavily due to having difficulty breathing, as after strenuous activity or holding one's breath. Kelsey's head popped out of the water, and she started gasping for air. The kids sprinted up the steps and were gasping for air by the time they arrived on the fourth floor.
gasp for air
to fight for a breath of air. (After one has been deprived of air.) Walter popped to the surface of the water and gasped for air. The injured dog appeared to be gasping for air.