Today I am looking at the problems we can experience with our airways, ya know those passages that carry air into and out of the lungs.
Problems can arise
when said passages become narrowed, blocked, irritated, or inflamed. These
passages include the nose, throat, voice box, windpipe, bronchi, and smaller
breathing tubes in the lungs. When airflow is reduced, a person may find it
harder to breathe, speak, sleep, exercise, or clear mucus from the chest.
The common causes are
infections, allergies, asthma, chronic lung disease, smoke exposure, choking,
swelling, injury, or structural narrowing of the airway. Some problems are
short-term, such as a cold or allergic reaction, while others can be long-term
and need ongoing medical care.
The signs and symptoms to look for include
·
Shortness
of breath or difficulty breathing
· Noisy breathing, such as wheezing, whistling,
or stridor
· Persistent coughing or chest congestion
· Tightness in the chest
· Difficulty speaking, swallowing, or sleeping
because of breathing symptoms
· Blue, grey, or pale lips, gums, or
fingernails in severe cases
As a severe airway
problem can be life-threatening, we need to call for help sooner than often we may
if someone is choking, cannot breathe or speak, has swelling of the face or
throat, becomes confused or very drowsy, or develops blue, grey, or pale
colouring around the lips or fingernails. It is time to stop scrolling and time
to ring your emergency number here in Australia that is 000.
Treatment depends on
the cause. It may include inhalers, allergy medicines, antibiotics for certain
infections, oxygen support, removal of a blockage, or procedures to open a
narrowed airway. Prevention can include avoiding smoke and known allergens, following
an asthma or lung disease action plan, staying up to date with recommended
vaccinations, and seeking medical advice when breathing symptoms are new,
worsening, or unusual.
Next week we will
look at specific conditions that block our airways.



