Breathing problems can be triggered by various factors. This can result in symptoms such as a cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, and headache. Treatment for breathing issues is different for every patient, so it is essential to talk to your doctor for a treatment plan catered to your specific health and symptoms.
1. Nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease
Nontuberculous mycobacterial (or NTM) lung disease is a serious infection currently impacting more than 86,000 Americans, mostly of advanced age. NTM are bacterial organisms commonly found within the environment (i.e., soil and water), however, they only lead to infection in patients with existing lung diseases (i.e., COPD). NTM treatment guidelines are meant to reduce the underlying symptoms of inflamed airways, cough, shortness of breath and fatigue. Treatment may include a combination of antibiotics, taken over many months until symptoms improve.
2. Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that causes inflammation, fever, headache, fatigue, and difficulty breathing. Bacteria or viruses left untreated or resistant to treatment initially cause pneumonia. Pneumonia can affect a patient’s breathing by causing fluid to build up in the lungs due to tissue damage. This causes breathing difficulties because it makes it harder for air to pass through the lungs and bloodstream
3. COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (or COPD) is a chronic condition that actually characterizes a group of inflammatory lung diseases that cause the airways to become narrow, obstructing the transfer of oxygen from lungs to the bloodstream. COPD can be caused by chronic asthma, emphysema or chronic bronchitis, and affects roughly 16 million Americans. While the main cause of COPD is typically smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke, it also may be caused by environmental factors, like exposure to workplace chemicals or polluted air
4. Nasal polyps
There are two types of nasal polyps: hypertrophic and giant polyps, both which cause symptoms such as stuffy nose and obstructed nasal passages. Hypertrophic polyps often affect only one nostril, and are often misdiagnosed as a deviated septum or sinus disease. They usually grow slowly over several years, making them difficult to diagnose, though they become more noticeable during allergy season or when cold weather hits. Giant polyps can be present from birth or develop from smaller polyps later on in life. The size makes “giant” nasal polyps easier to diagnose
5. Food or environmental allergies
Another common source of breathing issues are food allergies or environmental allergies. When someone has a food allergy, the immune system reacts to certain foods by releasing a histamine response, which may cause inflammation of the airways and affect breathing. Other allergy signs may include hives, swelling of the mouth and face, rapid heart rate, and breathing issues. With environmental allergies, environmental factors irritate the respiratory system, causing inflammation, irritation, and cause breathing issues. Dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and mold can cause allergic reactions, which may also lead to an asthma attack
6. Asthma
One of the significant symptoms of asthma is wheezing, which typically occurs when the airways (the tubes that carry air into and out of your lungs) are narrowed or blocked. During an asthma attack, the patient may make whistling or squeaking sounds when they breathe because the bronchial tubes become inflamed and swollen. Several factors can trigger an asthma attack in patients such as physical exercise, thunderstorms or high humidity, cold or dry air, certain foods or food additives, and fragrances or pollution. Many patients use a short-acting beta agonist or quick-acting (rescue) inhaler, daily oral corticosteroids, or ventilation and oxygen to calm a life-threatening asthma attack.
