What is Causing My Breathing Problems?

Are you having trouble breathing? Dr. Thomas Phillips, Dr. Ronald Allen and Dr. Theodore Kanne, your Valdosta, GA, ENTs, discuss several potential causes of breathing difficulties.

Blockages

Anything that prevents air from flowing freely from your nose to your lungs can cause a breathing problem, including polyps, tumors, foreign objects or swollen adenoids.

Deviated septum

A deviated septum, a condition that occurs when the bones and cartilage that separate your nostrils are off-center or crooked, may make it difficult to breathe. Some people are bone with deviated septums while others develop them after experiencing a broken nose.

Allergies

Allergies can stuffiness and nasal congestion that can make breathing difficult. Allergies don't just occur in the spring and fall. Indoor allergens, such as mold, dust mites, cockroaches and pet dander, can cause symptoms year-round.

Lung diseases

Asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other lung diseases can make breathing very difficult.

Illnesses and Infections

Cold and virus make you feel awful. Thanks to runny noses, stuffiness and congestion, it's nearly impossible to breathe comfortably, particularly at night. Luckily, most viruses go away on their own and don't require any special treatment. If your sinus symptoms linger, you may experience sinusitis, an inflammation of the sinuses that is sometimes caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. When the sinuses become inflamed, they also swell, making breathing difficult.

How can a Valdosta ENT help me?

If you're tired of struggling to breathe, your ENT can offer a variety of effective treatments. If you suffer from allergies, over-the-counter and prescription medications can relieve your symptoms and prevent the reactions that trigger congestion. Inhaled steroids and bronchodilators are effective in easing the symptoms of asthma and COPD, while antibiotics and decongestants may help you overcome a bout of sinusitis. If your breathing problem is caused by a polyp, swollen adenoids, a deviated septum or other structural problem and conservative treatments don't help, surgery may be recommended.

Don't ignore breathing difficulties. Call Dr. Phillips, Dr. Allen and Dr. Kanne, your Valdosta, GA, ENTs, at (229) 244-2562 to schedule an appointment to discuss your symptoms.