Breathing Problems Can Be Resolved
If you have allergies, asthma, or other breathing problems, this proverb may sound very familiar. But a greater understanding of your breathing problems, along with an accurate medical diagnosis and effective treatment, can help you regain control. It does not matter what type of breathing problem you have. Daily control is vital to living an active, productive life.

Causes

There are many causes of breathing problems. Some people have difficulty breathing when they get a cold. Others have trouble breathing because of occasional bouts of acute sinusitis. Sinusitis can make it difficult to breathe for a week or two until the inflammation subsides and the congested sinuses begin to drain.

Many breathing problems are chronic or long-term. These common breathing problems include chronic sinusitis, allergies, and asthma. These problems can cause a host of symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, chest congestion, cough, wheezing, labored breathing, and shallow breathing.

The nasal passage is a pathway for viruses and allergens to enter your lungs. So the nose and sinuses are often associated with many lung disorders. A sinus or nasal passage inflammation may trigger reflexes and cause asthma attacks. And the No. 1 trigger for asthma is allergies.

More than 26 million Americans have hay fever or pollen allergies. And 14.6 million Americans have asthma. Oftentimes, asthma and allergies occur together. When they do, they can make life miserable if left untreated.

Millions of Americans have breathing problems because of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Breathing problems may also stem from other serious problems such as lung cancer, tuberculosis, pneumonia, and lung disease related to HIV/AIDS.

Western Medicine Treatment

Substances that cause breathing problem are known as triggers. Avoidance of triggers is the No. 1 way to control allergies and asthma. As an example, wearing a dust mask when doing housework or yard work may cut down on your exposure to allergy triggers. Avoiding a furry pet, washing bed linens at least once a week, and staying indoors during peak pollen times may also help prevent serious problems if you have allergies.

Medications are also important in treating breathing problems. Allergy drugs such as antihistamines and decongestants can make it easier to breathe for some people. These medications can be delivered orally or through inhalers.

In addition, inhaled steroids may give relief to some with chronic allergies and sinusitis. These drugs work to reduce inflammation in the airways. Allergy shots are yet another way to reduce sensitivity to allergens and may give relief to some breathing problems.

Asthma is treated with inhaled or oral drugs that help open airways and reduce the primary inflammation in the airways. These asthma medications help ease or even block airway obstruction and excessive mucus production. People with asthma must control inflammation in order to keep the airways open and reduce sensitivity to asthma triggers. Asthma triggers may include:

1)Viral infections (cold or flu)
2)Pollen
3)Pet dander
4)Mold spores
5)Dust mites
6)Cockroaches
7)Irritating pollutants in the air
8)Fragrances and fumes
9)Smoke

Even exercise can be an asthma trigger in some people.

Adopted From WebMD