In Chinese medicine, the Kidneys,( which include the adrenals ) and the Lungs have a very close relationship. The theory is that the Kidney qi rises and grasps the Lung qi when we breathe. If the Kidneys (adrenals) are weak, their qi can not rise all the way . This typically manifest itself as difficulty with inhalation, rather than exhalation.
I hope this explains thing a bit if not in a slightly more abstract way :)