Find out what could be making it difficult for you to breathe.
Breathing is a vital component to life and yet it’s a completely unconscious action. The only time you may even think about your breathing is if you start to notice issues. If you are experiencing breathing problems this can be startling. Find out what could be behind these issues and when to see your Wayne, NJ ENT doctor Dr. Frank Kardos for care.
It can be difficult to pinpoint the main cause of your breathing difficulties unless you seek medical care from your ear, nose and throat doctor in Wayne, NJ but here are some of the most common causes:
- Common cold
- Sinusitis
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Chronic bronchitis
- Emphysema
More serious causes include,
- Tuberculosis
- Pneumonia
- Lung cancer
- Lung disease (related to HIV/AIDS)
While more self-limiting issues like the common cold will usually run their course and go away on their own with at-home remedies, there are other issues that may require medical care.
Acute sinusitis can cause inflammation of the nasal cavities and prevent the sinuses from draining. This can make it difficult to breathe. While acute sinusitis will go away with the proper care, chronic forms of this condition may require more drastic measures. If you’ve been dealing with sinusitis symptoms for more than a week it’s time to see us.
Many breathing issues are chronic and are associated with allergies and asthma. This can cause a host of other symptoms including,
- Itchy eyes
- Nasal and chest congestion
- Cough and wheezing
- Shallow breathing
- Wheezing
- Runny nose
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI), nasal allergies affect about 50 million Americans, and its prevalence is increasing in both children (by 40 percent) and adults (by 30 percent). Allergy and asthma symptoms can often occur together, which can make breathing a major and miserable challenge. If you’ve been diagnosed with asthma and are having issues breathing it’s time to come into our office.
Those with COPD may experience symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, tightness in their chest, chest discomfort and shortness of breath. If you notice any of these symptoms it’s high time you came in for a proper diagnosis.
Whether you are dealing with breathing issues or are finding it more and more difficult to hear those around you, the Wayne ENT team of Dr. Kardos and audiologist Dr. Gary Hilt will make sure that you get the treatment you need.