PHX Reporter

There’s evidence supporting the idea that better breathing leads to better overall health.

But when you are suffering from a cold, chronic sinusitis or nasal inflammation, breathing might be all you can think about. Now could be the time to consider what solutions are available for your chronic sinus or allergy problems.

“I see a lot of patients that come in and complain of almost like a brain fog or just not feeling as sharp," Dr. Brian Lee of Scottsdale Sinus and Allergy Center told PHX Reporter. "They're perfectly functional. They're going to work. They're going to school. They're doing fine, but they're really just running at 80%, 85% and just don't feel their full self, and that's because they have these chronic sinus issues.”

Research published in the medical journal Frontiers in Neuroscience found that there is evidence to support the idea that intentional breathing can improve bodily functions in an important way. The data analysis shows that slow breathing can improve stress, anxiety and depression. In addition, the study found that slow breathing can improve sleep quality as well.

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, in which you take a series of deep breaths with your tongue pressed to your teeth.

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

We encourage our readers to learn more about their sinuses by taking this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.