Do you regularly participate in sporting activities? If you have sinus issues, they can hold you back from being your best. Cecil Yeung, MD, our double board-certified sinus and facial plastic surgeon here at Houston Sinus Surgery can expertly diagnose the causes of your breathing and sinus issues, so you can breathe your way to a better athletic performance.
Common underlying causes of breathing problems
Although breathing problems can be the result of a wide range of health issues, sinus and nasal problems are often to blame. It’s not uncommon for athletes to suffer from conditions that restrict their airways and therefore impede their performance on the court, track, or field. These issues can include:
- Sinusitis
- Nasal congestion
- Post-nasal drip
- Nasal polyps
- Reactive asthma
- Allergic rhinitis
- Nonallergic rhinitis
- Deviated septum
Athletes of all ability levels rely on Dr. Yeung’s expertise to correct breathing issues with conservative or minimally invasive procedures that deliver long-term results and minimal downtime.
Symptoms of allergic rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is a common condition among athletes as well as the general population. Symptoms include sneezing, congestion, and a runny nose. Allergic rhinitis could be seasonal if you only experience symptoms during certain times of the year, or you might have symptoms all year long.
Nasal congestion and a runny nose more often than not indicate chronic allergic rhinitis. Many people get rhinitis in conjunction with asthma, which can make breathing even more of a challenge.
Symptoms of chronic sinusitis
Another common breathing problem for athletes is chronic sinusitis. Your sinuses are air-filled cavities in the facial bones that are connected to your nose. When you have sinusitis, your sinuses become inflamed, and this inflammation can lead to a blockage in your sinuses.
When your sinuses are blocked, it can cause a painful buildup of pressure within the sinus cavities. Sinusitis symptoms include:
- Headache
- Facial pain
- Tooth pain
- Congestion
- Runny nose
- Thick mucus
- Loss of smell
You may even have a fever for a bit, or bad breath if the condition persists.
Treatments for common breathing problems
Dr. Yeung takes a personalized approach to diagnosing the underlying causes of breathing problems, so he can create a comprehensive treatment plan. He begins with conservative treatment options, so you may need to take antibiotics if you have a bacterial infection. Dr. Yeung may also prescribe antihistamines to reduce inflammation in your sinus cavities if you have sinusitis.
For nasal congestion, Dr. Yeung may prescribe over-the-counter allergy medications, nasal sprays, or antibiotics. If more treatments don’t work, or you have a deviated septum, you may need to consider a minimally invasive solution, such as:
Once Dr. Yeung determines the underlying causes of your breathing issues, he will recommend the most effective solutions, so you can get long-term relief and hopefully improve your athletic performance.
Do you want to breathe easier so you can feel better overall and less fatigued when you’re participating in your favorite sport? Dr. Yeung can help. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone with Houston Sinus Surgery today.
