Respiratory Disorders: Treatment, Cost and Side Effects

Breathing is essential for all life forms, without which no organism can survive. For human beings the nose acts as the passageway to the lungs, through which oxygen is transferred into the body. If there is any blockage in the nasal passageway, it can obstruct the flow of oxygen into the body. The blockage can also obstruct the flow of carbon dioxide from within the body.

There can be many underlying causes that may lead to breathing disorders, which includes common cold, flu, allergies and more. While these conditions are easily curable, disorders such as asthma can never be completely cured from the body. Medications and nasal sprays are used to keep the symptoms at check and regulate normal breathing.

Other causes for the breathing disorders include sinusitis, where the sinuses in the nasal passageways retain liquid and swell up. This obstructs the air passages and may cause difficulty breathing for a week or two. After a couple of weeks, this obstruction clears off on its own.

Visit an ENT doctor if you suffer from chronic respiratory disorder. Chronic issues can even lead to hospitalization and emergency treatment.

Substances that lead to breathing problems are known as triggers. In order to treat the breathing disorder, doctors will first try to find the trigger that may be causing the issue to occur. In case of allergic reactions, these triggers may range from pollen, to dust and even animal fur. The best way to treat the disorder and the allergy is to limit exposure to the trigger substance for that patient. For instance, if you are allergic to pollen, doctors will advise you stay indoors as much as possible. Furthermore, you might be asked to cover your nose and mouth when you do get out.

Apart from the preventive measures, doctors will also prescribe antihistamines and decongestants to reduce the breathlessness and discomfort. However, patients should not delay the treatment for such a condition, as with time the disorder can become more difficult to treat.

People who suffer from breathing disorders should also stay away from smoking cigarettes and using perfume. Lastly, people with respiratory disorders should try to avoid polluted areas, where the air quality can adversely affect their health.

If you experience any difficulty while breathing, you should consult a physician immediately. The doctor will be able to diagnose the disorder and the underlying cause for the same. Treatment will begin accordingly. However, if the nasal congestion is caused as a result of a common cold or flu, the doctor may not prescribe decongestant or any other medications. In case of severe allergic reactions, antihistamines will be prescribed. People with asthma will need to carry an inhaler with them at all times.

If the condition is not chronic or the respiratory problem is due to simple sinusitis, doctors may not prescribe any treatment for the congestion.

Side effects for medication related to breathing disorders are common. However, these effects are not severe. For instance, the decongestants may lead to burning, stinging, local irritation, dryness and sneezing. However, asthma treatments such as nasal inhalers rarely have any side effects, if any. For instance, people using such inhalers may experience thrush infection, which is a yeast infection at the back of the mouth. Apart from this, hoarseness may also be caused in some patients.

If the breathing problem is caused due to allergies, doctors may suggest antihistamines. These medications can lead to dizziness, nausea and vomiting, drowsiness and dry mouth.

There are no post-treatment guidelines to follow as such for respiratory disorder. However, doctors usually ask patients to refrain from smoking. Chronic asthma patients may also be asked to avoid strenuous physical activity.

If the breathing problem is caused due to allergies or a common cold, medications will take a week or two to clear up your air passages. However, if the condition is caused due to asthma, treatments will need to carried on for the rest of the patient’s life.

For asthma patients, an inhaler will cost around Rs. 100-Rs. 500. This treatment needs to be continued throughout the life of the patient.

Antihistamines and decongestants can cost from anywhere between Rs. 200-Rs. 500. These are used for allergic issues only.

The results of the treatment are not permanent in most cases. For instance people suffering from respiratory issues due to an allergy will continue to have the weakness for the same allergen throughout their life. If they come into contact with the allergen in the future, the breathing disorder will return and treatment will be needed once more.

Apart from the conventional form of treatment, people can also take certain precautions in order to avoid breathing disorders. For instance, leading a healthy lifestyle can help in some cases. Quitting smokes and exercising are two important factors for a healthy respiratory system. However, people with asthma should avoid heavy exercises.