What causes breathing issues?
Breathing difficulty is a broad term. It can mean you are struggling to catch your breath or feeling discomfort when you breathe. Breathing problems can come on suddenly, or may develop or worsen over time. In some circumstances, being out of breath is understandable. For instance, you may feel out of breath after a hard workout or if you are at a high altitude. However, when you have trouble catching your breath when performing normal activities, that can be a sign of an underlying issue that warrants medical evaluation. Breathing problems may be acute or long-term.
How do breathing issues impact runners?
Efficient oxygen exchange is critical to strong running and athletic performance, as restricted airways will slow you down. Sinus or nasal problems are often the underlying issues and many athletes suffer from conditions that restrict the airways. Fortunately, these conditions are correctable with conservative treatments or minimally invasive procedures that deliver long-lasting results with little or no downtime.
Houston Sinus Surgery at the Yeung Institute is committed to helping our Houston patients breathe better and run faster. In fact, if you see Dr. Cecil Yeung for your breathing problem, your next race entry fee is on us!
What sinus and nasal conditions can cause breathing issues?
Sinus and nasal conditions that can create breathing problems include:
- Chronic sinusitis, which can cause nasal congestion and post-nasal drip
- Septal deviation
- Nasal polyps
- Enlarged nasal turbinates (turbinate hypertrophy)
- Reactive asthma
- Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
What symptoms are associated with breathing issues?
Breathing issues may cause or coincide with a number of other symptoms and problems, including:
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Nasal congestion
- Headaches, including sinus headaches
- Snoring
- Sleep apnea
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Heart palpitations (fast heart rate)
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Chest tightness or pain
- Blue fingernails and/or blue lips
- Pale complexion
- Excessive sweating
How are breathing issues treated?
If you are suffering from chronic sinusitis, nasal congestion, headaches, snoring or any of the other frustrating symptoms that may be caused by nose-related breathing problems, you may benefit from treatment. Dr. Yeung takes a progressive, personalized approach to treatment, beginning with the least invasive options to improve breathing issues in Houston. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to improve breathing function, procedures offered at the Yeung Institute for Houston Sinus Surgery that address underlying sinus or oxygen exchange issues include septoplasty, functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), Balloon Sinuplasty, and surgery for turbinate or nasal deformities.
At The Yeung Institute, we believe in the importance of physical fitness and helping our patients meet their health and athletic goals. Whether you are an elite athlete, a weekend warrior or someone who is struggling with breathing problems during normal, everyday activities, the first step to better breathing is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Cecil Yeung. With over 20 years of experience as an ear, nose, and throat doctor in Houston and the latest sinus procedures offered on-site, Dr. Yeung is dedicated to getting his patients back to life (and running) with exceptional results and minimal downtime.
Other Conditions