Controlling breathing and exhaling slowly can help you relax your muscles and improve your mood. | Pixabay
Controlling breathing and exhaling slowly can help you relax your muscles and improve your mood. | Pixabay
Controlled breathing has been proven to help with relaxation, but for the thousands who suffer from chronic sinusitis, this may be rather challenging to accomplish.
According to Mayo Clinic, chronic sinusitis can make it difficult for people to breathe normally and reduce their ability to perform controlled breathing exercises and enjoy the benefits these exercises provide.
"Chronic sinus infections can have a significant impact on our quality of life, how we perform at work/school, and interact with friends and family," Dr. Seth Palmer of Michigan ENT & Allergy Specialists told Western Wayne Today.
A National Institutes of Health study found that controlled breathing and slowed breathing techniques can potentially optimize a person's physiological variables associated with health and longevity. The study also found that controlled breathing can help lower stress, relax muscles and improve mood, as it affects respiratory muscle activity, ventilation efficiency and heart rate variability.
"Breathing through our nose allows us to enjoy life more. We can get better rest and have a better workout if we can easily breathe through our nose," Palmer said. "There are multiple things that can be done to help you breathe through your nose better, including treating your allergy, and -- depending on your nasal anatomy -- there are several in-office procedures that may benefit you. These in-office procedures allow you to recover more easily."
A report by the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) said that, along with the cardiovascular benefits associated with slowed or controlled breathing, a person can also use these techniques to optimize the body's ability to handle and manage pain.
While thousands of people suffer with undiagnosed chronic sinusitis, often confusing it with everyday allergies, seeing a sinus specialist could be life-changing.
"If you are struggling with nasal congestion, then please come visit Michigan ENT & Allergy for an evaluation," Palmer said.
Chronic sinusitis can make it hard to enjoy everyday life. If you think a specialist could help, take this quiz.
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