Definition of "breathy"

She had cold sores on her upper lip which made her mouth look swollen and ugly. But from a distance it was not noticeable - like the spit and breathy sounds.

1985, Bernard MacLaverty, Short story, 'Across the Street', Irish Times Summer Stories. (Also published in 'The Great Profundo and Other Stories' , 1987, Penguin Books paperback: see at p.138-139)