There is an old proverb that states, "Life is in the breath. He who half breathes half lives."
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 doesn't matter what type of breathing problem you have.
Daily control is vital to living an active, productive life.
What Causes Breathing Problems?
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 through your nose 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 50 million Americans have hay fever or
other allergies. And 17 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.
Which Tests Are Used to Diagnose Breathing Problems?
Doctors diagnose breathing problems by performing a
physical exam, taking a patient history and family health history, and
using different tests. For instance, pulmonary function tests, also
known as lung function tests, are frequently used to assess lung
function in people with asthma. These tests include spirometry and a
test known as methacholine challenge.
