Breathing Problems You Should Be Wary Of

Breathing Problems You Should Be Wary Of

Breathing problems are brought about by several causes and not treating these underlying causes will result in dire consequences. If you are having breathing difficulties, it is imperative that you see an ENT specialist right away. Doing so will help you prevent the problem from getting worse and also avoid the unwanted consequences.

Common Causes of Breathing Problems

Breathing problems can be caused by many things. If you catch a cold, you will invariably experience difficulty in breathing because of your clogged nasal cavities. Those who have sinusitis will also have difficulty in breathing because of the inflammation of their sinuses.

Asthma sufferers and those with certain allergies will also experience difficulty in breathing whenever they are in environments that trigger an attack. The usual consequences that bring about breathing difficulties are runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy and watery eyes, cough, chest congestion, and wheezing.

What Are the Types of Breathing Problems?

Knowing the different types of breathing problems will help you determine which type of breathing problem you are experiencing. Here are some of the most common breathing problems.

1. Sleep Apnea

You have sleep apnea if there are short periods in your sleep where you cease to breathe. This condition interferes with your ability to get a good night’s rest, which can lead to many kinds of health problems.

There are three types of sleep apnea:

–      Central sleep apnea where your brain doesn’t tell you to take a breath.

–      Obstructive sleep apnea which occurs when soft tissue between your throat blocks your airways.

–      Mixed sleep apnea in which both Central and Obstructive sleep apnea occur.

2. Asthma

If your airways have become narrowed or blocked, you may have asthma. Your airways will be sensitive to triggers such as dust, pollen, chemicals, certain foods, certain odors and pet hair. Your asthma condition will also be aggravated by stress, certain medications, and changes in weather and seasons.

During your asthma attacks, your airways will swell and constrict. Then you will experience difficulty in breathing, chest tightness, wheezing and fatigue.

3. Chronic Bronchitis

Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchial tubes. When this condition persists for months and years, you have chronic bronchitis. Irritants such as smoke and harsh chemicals are the common causes of this condition. They contribute to the build-up of mucus and pus in your airways which trigger repeated episodes of this condition.

4. Emphysema

This condition occurs when the walls of the alveoli becomes rigid and stretch and tear when you are breathing. When this happens, the walls break and large air spaces are created. This prevents oxygen from flowing to your bloodstream. This is a serious breathing problem because it is irreversible.

Source:

HK ENT Specialist Ltd.

Hong Kong based ENT clinic centre

For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,

Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,

Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services

https://www.hkentspecialist.hk