Patient Education
Breathing Problems
Our team of specialists and staff believe that informed patients are better equipped to make decisions regarding their health and well being. For your personal use, we have created an extensive patient library covering an array of educational topics. Browse through these diagnoses and treatments to learn more about topics of interest to you. Or, for a more comprehensive search of our entire Web site, enter your term(s) in the search bar provided.
As always, you can contact our office to answer any questions or concerns.
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FAQs
What are signs of enlarged tonsils or adenoids?
Typical signs of enlarged tonsils or adenoids include constant mouth breathing, snoring at night, noisy breathing during the day, muffled voice or pauses in breathing during snoring (apnea).
What is sinusitis?
Sinusitis is inflammation or infection of the mucous membrane lining the nasal sinuses (air-filled cavities in the bones surrounding the nose, eyes, cheekbone and forehead).
What symptoms can be associated with sinusitis?
- Pressure and pain in the sinus cavities
- Nasal Congestion
- Nasal Drainage
- Bad Breath
- Low-grade Fevers
- Loss of sense of smell
How common is sinusitis?
Sinusitis is one of the most common medical problems affecting approximately 30% of the population at some point. Acute sinusitis commonly follows a cold and typically lasts for up to three weeks. After three weeks it becomes defined as a chronic sinusitis and may become much more difficult to treat.
Why do ears have wax?
Cerumen (ear wax) is a body defense mechanism. Its presence in the outer ear canal is supposed to trap dust and dirt particles in order to keep them from reaching the ear drum.
My doctor says my child needs “ear tubes”?
When ear infections occur too frequently or are never completely resolved, we may recommend the placement of temporary ventilating tubes in children. They are placed in children under a brief general anesthetic and usually fall out by themselves within 12 to 18 months.
Do I have a cholesteatoma?
A cholesteatoma is a skin growth that occurs abnormally behind the ear drum in the middle ear. With time, the continued growth can lead to destruction of the surrounding structures in the middle ear. Symptoms include hearing loss, drainage, dizziness or even facial nerve paralysis.
What are some of the more common causes of hoarseness?
- Laryngitis
- Vocal Cord Polyps, Nodules or Cysts
- Laryngopharyngeal Reflux
- Vocal Misuse
- Vocal Cord Paralysis
- Laryngeal Cancer
Can allergies cause hoarseness?
Absolutely. Nasal allergies specifically can result in a chronic laryngitis from persistent post-nasal drip and cough. Some of the same allergy-mediated swelling can also occur in the vocal cords resulting in hoarseness.
Do I have a swallowing disorder?
Common symptoms of swallowing disorders include the feeling of food or liquid getting stuck in the throat, the sensation of a lump in the throat, coughing or choking with swallowing, discomfort in the throat or chest with swallowing, phlegm and saliva overproduction, weight loss and inadequate nutrition.
What are some signs of cancer of the upper aerodigestive tract?
No one symptom signifies an underlying cancer. People who have a history of chronic tobacco or alcohol use are at a higher risk of developing upper aerodigestive tract malignancies, but the use of tobacco or alcohol is not mandatory to develop such cancers. Recent research has also suggested an association of certain head and neck cancers with HPV (Human Papilloma Virus). Patients presenting with malignancies may have symptoms such as:
- pain or difficulty swallowing
- hoarseness or voice changes
- spitting or coughing up blood
- throat tightness or difficulty breathing
- foreign body sensation in the throat
- ear pain with swallowing
- unintended weight loss
- neck mass
Timely evaluation and early diagnosis of symptoms can often result in higher cure rates and survivals.
What is a PET scan?
PET stands for positron emission tomography. This an innovative imaging technique we sometimes obtain that uses positively charged particles (radioactive positrons) to detect subtle changes in the body's metabolism and chemical activities. PET scans can be used to detect cancerous tumors, to determine the extent of its spread and to judge the effectiveness of cancer treatment.
Is snoring dangerous?
Snoring can be associated with periods of complete obstruction, known as apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea can result in poor sleep quality, daytime sleepiness and long-term detrimental effects on the heart and lung.
My doctor said I need a sleep study. What does that involve?
A sleep study, or polysomnogram, is a diagnostic test which measures various vital parameters during a patient’s sleep. These include the stage of sleep, blood oxygen level, chest movement, air flow through the nose, heart rhythm and rate, eye movements and muscle tone. Multiple dips in oxygen level and peaks in pulse rate are found in people with sleep apnea.
What is CPAP?
CPAP is an abbreviation of continuous positive airway pressure. This is common treatment option for patients with sleep apnea. A nasal mask is worn during sleep which provides continuous air pressure specifically set to each person's needs to prevent collapse of the airway or throat. The pressure varies according to how severe the sleep apnea is and how much pressure is needed to prevent collapse.
My doctor said I broke my nose. What should I do?
A broken nose is the most common type of facial bone fracture after an injury. The ideal time to see someone is 3-5 days after the injury in order to see the nose after the swelling resolves. If the fracture needs to be fixed (closed reduction), it is important to do this procedure within 2 weeks of the injury.
What preventative measures can I take to reduce my risk of facial trauma?
Safety equipment is vital to preventing maxillofacial trauma from automobile accidents and sports. Here is a partial list of equipment people should always use:
- seatbelts
- automobile air bags
- approved child safety seats
- helmets for riding motorcycles or bicycles, skateboarding, snowboarding, and other sports
- safety glasses for the job, yard work, sports
- other approved safety equipment for sports such as mouthguards, masks, and goggles
The nose serves three primary functions: to warm, humidify and filter air as it passes into the body. Breathing problems may impact one or multiple of these functions. Breathing problems can be temporary or chronic, mild or severe, but they usually increase with age. Breathing problems are assessed through physical examination along with breathing tests, such as lung function tests for diagnosing asthma or spirometry to determine how much and how fast you can blow air out of your lungs. X-rays and CT scans may also be taken to get a visual picture of your breathing apparatus. The most common breathing problems are discussed below:
Allergies
When an allergen enters the body, the immune system kicks in to counter to the effects. In most cases, the immune systems produces histamine, which causes the symptoms typically associated with allergies and hay fever: headaches, sneezing, watery or itchy eyes, nasal congestion and scratchy throat. Allergic substances range from pollens to environmental and chemical pollutants. Smoking can also contribute to nasal congestion. To treat allergies, most people need to reduceg exposure to the allergen and take medication, often antihistamines and nasal decongestants. For more severe cases, allergy shots may be needed to build up the body’s immune response to the allergen over time.
Deviated Septum
The septum is the vertical structure that divides the two nasal passages in the nose. When the septum is crooked or bent, it is called a deviated septum, which can block the flow of air through the nose. If the constriction is serious, an outpatient surgical procedure can straighten out the septum and open the nasal airways.
Environmental Factors
Molds, dust and dry air are the most common culprits of environmentally induced allergies. These can be assessed by your doctor through physical examination and skin tests. If the allergic response is severe, your doctor may recommend allergy shots to build up an immunity to the allergens and alleviate your symptoms.
Lung Diseases
Certain lung diseases can also cause breathing problems, including asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis).
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinus tissue behind the upper cheeks on both sides of the nose, between the eyes and above the eyes. It is characterized by congestion and a feeling of pressure, sometimes in response to moving up and down. Sinus pressure can also cause watery eyes. Many over-the-counter medications suffice in treating mild sinusitis. For more serious cases, prescription medications may be required to alleviate the pain and pressure and open up the nasal passages. Occasionally, surgery is required to remove chronically inflamed sinus tissue.
If you’re experiencing persistent breathing problems, please contact our office and schedule an appointment with one of our otolaryngologists.