Correction for Breathing Problems
Breathing problems are a nuisance. Whether your problem is a temporary issue or a chronic condition, our physicians can correctly diagnose and use the appropriate treatment. The great news is that if it is not determined to be a cosmetic service, then it may be covered by your insurance. Below you will find common causes for breathing problems and more information on the treatments we provide.
Additional Procedure Information:
Common Causes for Breathing Problems
The most common cause of breathing problems are nasal blockages. The nose serves three main functions: 1) warm 2) humidify and 3) filter the air entering your respiratory system. When a blockage occurs, one or more of these functions starts to break down and breathing problems occur. Nasal blockages have a few common causes:
Deviated Septum
When you have a deviated septum, the airflow through your nose may become hindered or even blocked. The septum is the structure of bone and cartilage that separates the nostrils. If that is out of alignment (deviated), our physicians can restore proper airflow by performing a minor surgery to the nasal septum. Once corrected, breathing problems should lessen almost immediately. A septoplasty is commonly used to treat this cause, however in some cases a rhinoplasty could be performed.
Sinusitis
Inflammation of the sinus tissue in the sinus cavity is called sinusitis. Mild cases lead to just a congested feeling, however chronic cases lasting two weeks or longer should be examined for possible corrective actions. If your breathing problems are deemed to be caused by sinusitis a balloon sinuplasty may be used, however in more severe cases, sinus surgery would be the appropriate corrective treatment.
Allergies
If allergies are determined to be the cause of your breathing problems, removing or reducing exposure to the allergen if possible is the best course of treatment. When eliminating the source is not a viable solution, OTC (over-the-counter) medication such as anti-histamines and nasal decongestants may be a better solution. In chronic cases, allergy shots may be utilized to reduce symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will my insurance cover these procedures?
All insurance policies are different, so the best answer is to contact your insurance company for benefits. However, if the procedures are being performed for non-cosmetic reasons, they would not be able to deny them based on cosmetic procedure exclusions. Please feel free to call us and we will work with you and your insurance company on any questions you may have.
All insurance policies are different, so the best answer is to contact your insurance company for benefits. However, if the procedures are being performed for non-cosmetic reasons, they would not be able to deny them based on cosmetic procedure exclusions. Please feel free to call us and we will work with you and your insurance company on any questions you may have.
What are the symptoms of a deviated septum?
Common symptoms include, but are not limited to: headaches, facial pain, snoring, sinus infections, nosebleeds, and sleep apnea.
Common symptoms include, but are not limited to: headaches, facial pain, snoring, sinus infections, nosebleeds, and sleep apnea.
When will I begin to breathe better?
Typically breathing becomes easier immediately following the procedure. However, sometimes you may see a little congestion due to blood and mucus in the airways in the few days following the procedure.
Typically breathing becomes easier immediately following the procedure. However, sometimes you may see a little congestion due to blood and mucus in the airways in the few days following the procedure.
Are there any other causes of nasal blockages?
In some cases, nasal polyps and/or benign or cancerous tumors, may be causing the blockage. If this is the case, we remove all types of head and neck cancers. Please contact us immediately if you think this may be the cause of your blockage.
In some cases, nasal polyps and/or benign or cancerous tumors, may be causing the blockage. If this is the case, we remove all types of head and neck cancers. Please contact us immediately if you think this may be the cause of your blockage.
QUESTIONS?
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