Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects the airways in your lungs. This health disorder affects individuals of all ages but usually develops during childhood. The symptoms of asthma attacks include chest tightness, faster breathing rates, and shortness of breath. A qualified asthma doctor can help you manage it, preventing asthma flare-ups:
How ENT Doctors Treat Asthma
While ENT doctors specialize in ear, nose, and throat conditions, they also help with asthma care. They detect and treat issues that sometimes overlap with asthma, like throat problems, sinus infections, or nasal congestion. They often coordinate with asthma doctors to address the major causes of your asthma attack. Here are a few ways ENT specialists contribute to asthma management:
Treating Upper Airway Conditions
ENT specialists help treat upper airway conditions that Individuals with asthma may suffer from, including nasal congestion, sinusitis, or allergic rhinitis. These conditions worsen asthma symptoms by increasing inflammation and swelling in the airways, which makes them highly sensitive. With increased sensitivity, cells in the airways produce thicker mucus, making it difficult for asthma patients to breathe.
ENT specialists address these issues through treatment, such as nasal sprays, medications, or surgeries. The treatments help to reduce inflammation and improve airflow. Nasal spray clears the nasal passages by flushing out mucus and other irritants, minimizing the burden on the lower airways. This results in better asthma control and a reduced number of sudden episodes.
Addressing Airway Obstructions
ENT specialists address airway obstructions that interfere with breathing, such as enlarged tonsils or a deviated septum. Deviated septums and enlarged tonsils block airflow through nasal passages and throats, making it difficult to breathe through the nose. This forces people with asthma to breathe through their mouths, which dries out the lower airways and might trigger asthma symptoms.
ENT doctors correct these obstructions by performing septoplasty to straighten the nasal septum or tonsillectomy to remove enlarged tonsils. By addressing these conditions, ENT specialists restore proper airflow in the upper airways, reducing the strain on lower airways. This improves asthma control and lowers symptom severity.
Managing Asthma Triggers
Various factors trigger asthma, including allergens and chronic infections. Allergens cause an immune response that results in inflammation and narrowing of the airways. When people with asthma inhale allergens like mold, dust mites, or pet dander, their immune system identifies these substances as threats, triggering asthma symptoms. These symptoms may include shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing.
An ENT doctor may conduct allergy tests to pinpoint specific allergens affecting you. They can then prescribe medications such as antihistamines to reduce inflammation and alleviate allergic reactions. ENT specialists and asthma doctors help you identify asthma triggers and work toward minimizing the frequency and severity of your asthma attacks.
Contact an Asthma Doctor Today
Asthma is a health condition that can be heightened by various factors, such as respiratory infections, environmental triggers, and allergens. ENT specialists and asthma physicians have the knowledge and skills to identify and address the causes of asthma. Contact a qualified asthma doctor today to learn more about how they can help you manage asthma effectively.
