If you’ve struggled with breathing problems, you’re not alone. Many people suffer from various conditions that affect their ability to breathe properly and this can lead to other health issues if not treated properly. Some conditions can be life-threatening, so it’s important to let your physician know if you’re experiencing trouble breathing, even if it’s been happening for years.
Asthma
The most common origination of breathing problems stems from asthma. Nearly 26 million Americans have the affliction, which can range from mild to life-threatening. Children often grow out of it as they age, but many adults suffer from it and some even land in the emergency room as a result of an attack. There’s no cure for asthma, but it can be treated with medication, typically an inhaler or a nebulizer with steroids.
Allergies
Allergies affect millions of Americans every year. Some are seasonal in nature, caused by pollen in the spring and fall months, while others are constant such as those caused by reactions to pet dander and dust mites, to name a few. For some, a simple allergy pill helps eliminate the reactions and makes it easy to live a normal life with the occasional stuffy nose. When it comes to pet dander and dust mites, it’s a good idea to work to improve the air quality in your home. Other allergies, such as those to food, insects or medications can be dangerous. Having an EpiPen handy is a necessity for these types of allergies to prevent a medical emergency.
Deviated Septum
If you’ve suffered a nose injury that’s resulted in breathing problems, you may have a deviated septum. This happens when your septum, the wall separating your nostrils, leans to one side instead of aligning straight in the middle. Those with a slight lean may not require any treatment, especially if it’s not causing constant breathing issues. If it leans heavily, however, you may have to consult a professional. For example in California, you may seek a facility or doctor to perform rhinoplasty in Beverly Hills to help correct the problem. It’s a simple surgery that can be completed in just a few hours with minimal recovery time.
When to Seek Help
Because breathing problems are common, you may be wondering when it’s necessary to seek help. If you experience sudden breathing difficulty, don’t wait just head to the nearest emergency room or urgent care center if the emergency room is too far, and let the staff know your symptoms. Sometimes, it may come on so sudden that you’ll need to call an ambulance. Another time it’s critical to seek help is if your breathing problem becomes more severe than it normally is. You know your body better than others, so if you feel that a medical emergency is occurring, take the measures you need to in order to get help.
Whether your breathing problems are new or you’ve had them for years, knowing the symptoms to look for can help you determine how serious the issue is. Speak with your doctor to determine whether it’s a chronic or curable condition and learn the proper ways to manage it so that your health doesn’t suffer.
