Breathing Disorder Treatment in Manhattan

What Are Breathing Disorders?

Breathing disorders include a range of medical conditions that cause shortness of breath or dyspnea. Breathing is essential for daily living, and if you are having difficulty breathing it can greatly impact your health and lifestyle. Luckily for patients in the Manhattan area, Dr. Stacey Silvers is here to help. Dr. Silvers is board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology, has been named among America’s Top Otolaryngologists every year since 2003, and specializes in treating breathing disorders. Contact our ENT office in Manhattan today to schedule an appointment by calling (212) 213-3339.

Types of Breathing Disorders

• Dyspnea or shortness of breath
• COPD
• Asthma
• Cystic fibrosis
• Emphysema
• Lung cancer
• Mesothelioma
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Tuberculosis

What Are the Symptoms of Breathing Disorders?

People with breathing disorders often feel shortness of breath. This dyspnea can range from mild to severe, depending on the type of disorder. It is normal to feel out of breath after exercise, but many individuals with a breathing disorder can feel these symptoms even when resting.

Your condition may be chronic and persistent, and it may get in the way of your everyday life. Your provider will work with you to alleviate symptoms and determine the root cause of your discomfort.

Symptoms of breathing disorders may include:

• Shortness of breath
• A tight throat sensation
• Frequent coughing
• Noisy breathing
• Strenuous breathing
• Difficultly breathing especially during feelings of anxiety and panic

How is a Breathing Disorder Diagnosed?

If you suspect you have a breathing disorder, talk to your provider. You may need to see a specialist for further testing and evaluation. If you are severely restricted in your breathing, you may have an airway issue.

There are two primary ways your provider will help diagnose a breathing disorder.

Flexible Laryngoscopy

Flexible laryngoscopy is a test that lets the provider look at the throat and voice box (larynx). The doctor uses a thin, flexible tube, called a scope, to look deep into the throat. This exam only takes a minute or two and is not painful.

Bronchoscopy

Bronchoscopy is a procedure that allows your provider to look at the lungs and air passages. A bronchoscopy allows the physician to view the entire trachea (windpipe) down to the carina (the ridge separating the openings of the right and left main bronchi leading to the lungs). This exam can be done while you are awake, and some topical anesthetic is provided so one does not feel the scope entering the airway. In less than five minutes, your doctor will be able to see a better look at your airways.

What Treatment is Available for Breathing Disorders?

Because breathing disorders can disrupt your daily life, you will want to seek treatment right away. Often, these conditions can worsen over time if not treated. Shortness of breath can result from several different medical conditions, so the first step of a proper diagnosis is important before beginning treatment.

Your treatment will often depend on the cause of your breathing disorder and which type you have.

Some treatment options include:

Medication

• • Steroids to reduce swelling
  • Pain medications

Surgical invention

• • Draining fluid from inside the chest
  • Bronchodilators to open airways
  • Fixing structural lung conditions
  • Highly specialized depending on the cause

Breathing exercises

• • Abdominal or pursed lip breathing can help fill the lungs with air and bring attention to your breathing periodically

Lifestyle changes

• • Relaxation and meditation to reduce anxiety
  • Obesity, asthma, allergy management