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Breathing is essential to life. When your breathing is affected, even the simplest everyday tasks can feel overwhelming. At CEENTA, our experienced laryngologists diagnose and treat a wide range of upper airway disorders, helping restore healthy, comfortable breathing.
Schedule an Upper Airway Appointment at CEENTA
An upper airway disorder is a medical condition that affects the parts of the respiratory system located above the chest. These structures include the nasal cavities, sinuses, pharynx (throat), and larynx (voice box).
One of the most common symptoms of an upper airway disorder is difficulty breathing, but additional symptoms may include:
The upper airway can be affected by a variety of conditions, including:
Stenosis occurs when the larynx or trachea narrows due to scar tissue or inflammation, restricting airflow and increasing the likelihood of noisy breathing, such as stridor.
When the vocal folds are paralyzed due to nerve disruption from infections or tumors, this can lead to hoarseness, voice changes, and difficulty breathing.
A chronic cough is a persistent cough lasting longer than eight weeks. It may be caused by underlying conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), smoking, or postnasal drip.
Upper airway disorders can affect patients of all ages. However, children may be more prone to them due to their still-developing airway tracts. Some conditions, like laryngomalacia, are also more common in children than in adults.
Pediatric upper airway disorders can be diagnosed and treated by physicians at CEENTA specializing in pediatric otolaryngology.
Learn More About Pediatric Airway Care at CEENTA
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the upper airway disorder. Your physician may recommend non-surgical treatments, surgical intervention, or lifestyle modifications such as weight management or sleep-positioning adjustments.
In some cases, airway reconstruction surgery may be performed to widen the airway using cartilage grafts, resulting in improved airflow and breathing function.
For adults experiencing difficulty breathing through the nose or mouth, schedule a consultation with Dr. Jeanne Hatcher in SouthPark and Fort Mill or Dr. Brett Heavner in Huntersville today.
