North Baltimore Journal

Breathing is an autonomic body function that everyone does without even thinking about.

There’s evidence to support the idea that better breathing leads to better health, but when you are suffering from a cold, chronic sinusitis or nasal inflammation, breathing may be all you can think about.

Dr. Jamie Oberman of Frederick Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers says there are solutions to help for those suffering from chronic sinusitis.

“It certainly can be quite debilitating," Oberman told North Baltimore Journal. "The studies show that it certainly contributes to a loss of vitality, productivity and quality of life. You don't have to live with it. There are solutions out there, many of which are very well-tolerated and minimally invasive and almost risk-free."

Medical journal Frontiers in Neuroscience shows documentation to support the idea that the act of breathing with intent interacts with our bodies' natural functions in an important way. The studies show that slow breathing techniques have a major impact on stress, anxiety and depression.

Another interesting finding has been in the area of sleep, according to WebMD. Certain breathing exercises may help you fall asleep and sleep more deeply. Known as the 4-7-8 technique, this idea is based on the centuries-old breathing technique, pranayama, where you take a series of deep breaths with your tongue pressed to your teeth.

According to Healthline, taking a more intuitive approach to the way you breathe can be beneficial to your health and help increase endurance. But what should you do when sinus inflammation gets in the way of normal breathing? You don't have to just live with it. It's time to see a ear, nose and throat specialist when nasal inflammation, chronic sinusitis or allergies impact your daily life and your ability to breathe.

To learn more about your sinus or allergy symptoms, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.