Conditions
The Institute for Better Breathing provides comprehensive and innovative treatment for pulmonary (lung) conditions and diseases. Pulmonary or respiratory disease encompasses a wide variety of disorders which generally fall into one of the following categories: obstructive disorders (asthma, bronchitis and emphysema), restrictive disorders (fibrosis or lung lining diseases), infectious disorders (pneumonia), cancer, diseases of the lungs' blood vessels, and disorders of sleep. These disorders may result in snoring, nasal symptoms such as headache, reduced air flow, and post nasal drip, cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, coughing up blood (hemoptysis), and swelling.
The Institute for Better Breathing has the collective experience, staff and sophisticated equipment to diagnose and treat these pulmonary and respiratory dysfunctions. For the convenience of our patients, the Institute performs in-office chest x-ray, full pulmonary function testing, fiber optic laryngoscopy as well as state of the art DEXA scanning to diagnose and guide treatment of osteoporosis.
Our doctors have special interest and expertise in Somnoplasty, a new minimally invasive technique that effectively treats nasal obstruction, snoring and some elements of sleep apnea. Among the patients we treat at the Institute are those suffering from the following conditions:
Allergies
An allergy is a specific reaction to normally harmless substances such as pollens, dust particles, mold, certain foods, latex rubber, insects and medicines. Doctors at the Institute provide testing to identify specific allergens, advice on ways to avoid these allergens, and prescribe medications to relieve associated symptoms. Although there is no cure for allergies, one or more of these strategies usually provide significant relief from allergy symptoms.
The signs and symptoms of allergies include:
- sneezing often accompanied by a runny or clogged nose
- coughing and postnasal drip
- itching eyes, nose and throat
- persistent upward rubbing of the nose that causes a crease mark on the nose
- watering eyes
- an inflammation of the membrane that lines the eyelids, causing red-rimmed swollen eyes and crusting of the eyelids.
The Institute For Better Breathing perform various allergy tests and may perform the following tests during your examination:
Asthma
Asthma is a potentially serious disorder that can be associated with mortality. It is a chronic respiratory disease that is accompanied by labored breathing, wheezing, chest constriction and coughing. Treatment includes the avoidance of any known triggers and the control of symptoms through the use of inhaled and oral medications, including anti-inflammatory drugs and bronchodilators. Good nasal sinus health is also stressed. Education is provided so as to avoid complications and promote a healthy active life. For a diagnosis of asthma, your doctor at The Institute For Better Breathing may perform the following tests during your appointment:
Bronchitis
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bronchial tubes. Acute bronchitis usually follows a respiratory infection. Chronic bronchitis is a long-term condition of excessive bronchial mucous characterized by a productive cough. Treatment includes the avoidance of smoking and all other respiratory irritants, along with the administration of antibiotics in cases where infection is present. Inhaled and oral medications are often used to treat symptoms and lead to a speedy recovery. Tests performed at the The Institute For Better Breathing include:
Chronic Cough
Coughing can be normal; however it can also be annoying, debilitating, or a symptom of something more serious. A cough that persists for more than 3 weeks should be evaluated by a physician who specializes in airway and breathing disorders. A full medical examination and laboratory tests may be necessary to arrive at a correct diagnosis. The cause could be as simple as rhinitis with post nasal drip, or something more serious like asthma, acid reflux disease, or even lung cancer. Most causes of chronic cough can be effectively treated once the cause is known. Tests performed at the The Institute For Better Breathing include:
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) includes several related conditions that limit the ability to exhale. The two major diseases in this category are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Both diseases are caused by smoking. The doctors at The Institute For Better Breathing perform a comprehensive evaluation and generate a treatment plan for this serious disorder to help patients maximize their function. They may perform the following tests during your examination:
Hemoptysis
Hemoptysis is the spitting up of blood or bloody mucus from the lungs or bronchial tubes. Although the most common cause of this symptom is acute bronchitis, other more serious problems may be present. The doctors at The Institute For Better Breathing may perform the following tests to establish the cause before treatment begins:
Lung Cancer
There are usually no symptoms of lung cancer in its early stages. Signs of advanced lung cancer can include coughing, weight loss, fever, shortness of breath, bloody sputum or chest pain. The Institute for Better Breathing will perform extensive tests to confirm the diagnosis and recommend cutting edge treatment options in consultation with other specialists.
Nasal Obstruction
Nasal obstruction can be caused by structural abnormalities of the cartilages and bones or by overgrowth of the mucous membranes lining the nasal passages. Nasal obstruction disrupts the normal functions of the nose, requiring the affected individual to breathe through the mouth. Chronic nasal obstruction can lead to frontal headaches, nasal drainage, a diminished sense of smell, dry mouth, snoring, and facial or sinus pressure. Treatment of chronic nasal obstruction can almost always be helped or cured by Somnoplasty. You may view a short video on how Somnoplasty can reduce nasal obstruction.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis, or porous bone, is a disease characterized by low bone mass and structural
deterioration of bone tissue. The resulting fragility of bone leads to an increased susceptibility
to fractures of the hip, spine, and wrist. Osteoporosis is common especially in people with lung
disease but can occur in otherwise healthy people as well. While osteoporosis is often thought
of as an older woman's disease, it can strike at any age and either sex. The disability and
threat to independence caused by fractures makes it imperative to diagnose this very treatable
disease at an early stage. The Institute offers state of the art DEXA scanning for this purpose.
The following tests may be performed at The Institute For Better Breathing to diagnose osteoporosis:
Pleural Effusion
Pleural Effusion, pleurisy and pleuritic chest pain can be caused by swelling and
irritation of the membrane that surrounds the lungs. It is usually a symptom of another illness
such as infection, malignancy, immune disorders or heart problems.
The pain is often most intense when taking a deep breath. It's usually felt on one side but it may also
occur in the neck, shoulder or abdomen. The pain usually subsides between breaths. The following additional
tests may be performed at The Institute For Better Breathing to diagnose pleural effusion:
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an acute or chronic disease marked by inflammation of the lungs that can be caused by viruses, bacteria, and physical and chemical agents. Symptoms of pneumonia include chest pain, blood-streaked or brownish sputum, fever, cough and fatigue. During your examination, The doctors at The Institute For Better Breathing may perform some of the following tests for pneumonia:
Respiratory Failure
Respiratory failure occurs when the respiratory process does not maintain the body's need for oxygen and the removal of carbon dioxide. This is a manifestation of the advanced stages of many pulmonary diseases and is an indication for expert management. The doctors at The Institute For Better Breathing may perform the following tests during your examination:
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is usually caused by airway obstruction. Breathing stops for anywhere from a matter of seconds for as long as two minutes. This may occur dozens of times during the night and the person may partially awaken when it happens, preventing restful continuous sleep. Sleep apnea markedly impairs patients' ability to function during the day. It may also cause morning headaches, impotence, high blood pressure, and can contribute to cardiac risk. Treatment for sleep apnea includes weight reduction, lifestyle changes including smoking cessation and reduction of alcohol intake, and possibly treatment with continuous positive airflow pressure (CPAP). Dental appliances may also have a role.
Somnoplasty, a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that reduces and tightens excess tissue in the upper airway can have significant benefit in many cases. The doctors at The Institute For Better Breathing may perform the following tests during your examination:
Snoring
Snoring usually occurs due to the vibration of the tissues in the nose and throat. It can be a sign of sleep apnea or a cause of embarassment that restricts social contact. It may also cause considerable marital conflict. Treatment methods to reduce snoring have included weight loss, sleeping on the side of the body, avoidance of alcohol, quitting smoking, the use of a dental appliance, and invasive surgery. The latest and most exciting new technique is Somnoplasty, a minimally invasive procedure that can shrink tissue responsible for snoring. This procedure represents a marked advance over previously available techniques. It is done under local anesthesia, in an outpatient setting, with the patient typically resuming normal activities the following day. You may view a video on how Somnoplasty can cure or reduce the causes of snoring. The Institute For Better Breathing may perform the following or additional tests during your examination: