Respiratory Issues

Respiratory disorders range from short-term colds and strep throat to disabling long-term conditions like emphysema. If you develop an acute or chronic respiratory issue, visit William Rowland, MD,  Devendra Autar, DO, and the team at Boca General & Family Medicine in Boca Raton, Florida. They excel at finding the cause of your symptoms and creating an effective treatment program. Call Boca General & Family Medicine today or complete the online booking form to schedule a discussion with the experts about your respiratory issues.

What are respiratory issues?

Respiratory issues are problems that affect your breathing. They can involve the upper respiratory tract (like your nose, throat, and sinuses) or the lower respiratory tract (like your lungs and airways). These issues can be acute (short term, like a cold) or chronic (long term, like asthma).

Common upper respiratory problems include:

• Colds
• Flu
• Sinus infections
• Tonsilitis
• Sore throats

You might have symptoms like a runny nose, cough, sneezing, congestion, or a scratchy throat. These are usually due to viruses, but some, like strep throat, are bacterial.

Lower respiratory problems affect the lungs and airways. These can include:

• Asthma
• Pneumonia
• Pleurisy
• Bronchitis
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

COPD includes severe lung diseases like emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Symptoms of lower respiratory tract issues may include shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, coughing (especially with mucus), or feeling like you can’t get enough air.

When should I see a doctor for respiratory issues?

If you have trouble breathing, a cough that won’t go away, chest pain, or wheezing, it’s important to make an appointment at Boca General & Family Medicine. Even if your symptoms seem mild, a check-up can help catch problems early and prevent them from worsening.

To diagnose your respiratory issues, your provider starts with a physical exam and a detailed look at your symptoms and medical history.

One important tool they use is spirometry, a simple breathing test measuring how well your lungs work. You’ll blow into a small machine that shows how much air you can move in and out of your lungs and how fast. It’s especially helpful for diagnosing asthma and COPD.

How are respiratory issues treated?

Treatment for respiratory issues depends on the cause. The Boca General & Family Medicine team may recommend rest, fluids, or medication for infections. They can prescribe inhalers or other medicines for chronic conditions like asthma and COPD to help open your airways and make breathing easier.

Reduce your risk of developing respiratory issues by:

• Not smoking
• Staying up to date on vaccines (like flu and pneumonia shots)
• Washing your hands often
• Avoiding people who are sick

You should also avoid triggers like smoke, dust, or allergens if you have allergies or asthma. Managing those conditions well can help prevent flare-ups.

Call Boca General & Family Medicine to discuss your respiratory issues or book an appointment online today.