The nose is primarily used to humidify, warm, and filter the air we breathe. Breathing complications can impact the nose’s important functions, and it’s important that every patient can breathe normally and adequately. To diagnose these breathing problems, Alabama ENT specialists can conduct various tests to assess how the lungs are working and what may be causing the disruption. Although several factors cause breathing problems, some of the most common reasons are explained below:
Allergies
Breathing complications caused by allergies can be unbearable for some patients. However, some patients might not understand the exact nature and cause of allergy symptoms. After an allergen enters the body, the immune system might try to reverse the effects by producing histamine. Histamine creates the typical symptoms associated with allergies, such as sneezing and nasal congestion in order to remove the allergen from the body. If these symptoms are making it difficult for you to breathe, contact Alabama Nose, Ear, & Throat Specialists to find a solution, such as medications, or building up your immunity to allergens.
Drug Allergies
Breathing problems can also be caused by a drug allergy. When you face an allergic reaction, your immune system reacts to it, causing symptoms like fever, rash, and breathing troubles. During a drug allergy, the immune system mistakes the drug for an invader and begins to create antibodies. This leads to increase in inflammation that causes breathing troubles. It’s important to know that this immune response may not always happen the first time you take a drug, and sometimes it may not happen till you have taken the drug many times.
Allergy-Like Reactions
With some drug use, you may experience an anaphylaxis-type reaction with the first use. These drugs can include aspirin, morphine, dyes used in some X-rays, and some chemotherapy drugs. Your immune system is not involved in this kind of reaction, since it is not a true allergy; however, the symptoms are equally dangerous and require the same treatment as is used for true anaphylaxis. Once our ENT specialists have ascertained the reason for your allergy and whether it is a true allergy or not, antihistamines, corticosteroids, and bronchodilators can be used for treatment.
Deviated Septum
A deviated septum refers to the septum (the divider between the two channels of the nose) being bent or curved, which can block natural airflow through one or both sides. This can often be caused by injury to the nose and can have varying degrees of severity. If the deviated septum is debilitating enough, meaning it causes chronic breathing problems, patients can consider a surgical procedure to open up the airways. Our ENT specialists can help address this concern and recommend the best course of action for you.
Sinusitis
Sinuses, located at the sides of the nose and above the eyes, naturally produce mucus to moisten the nose and block particles from reaching the lungs. When the sinuses become inflamed from infections, allergies, or other complications, sinusitis occurs. This can lead to breathing difficulties. It can also carry symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and cough. At our Tuscaloosa, Alabama location, we recommend an examination by our ENT specialists to determine the severity of your sinusitis and suggest what treatment option is best for you. Many sinusitis sufferers find relief through medication or a new minimally-invasive procedure called the Balloon Sinusplastyâ„¢.
At Alabama Ear, Nose, & Throat Specialists, we believe everyone should have the chance to breathe easy. If you are suffering from mild to chronic breathing problems, contact us today to discuss your treatment options and find relief.
