How to Stop Breathing through Mouth

The process of breathing normally happens by air inhalation from the nose to the lungs through the nasal passages and throat. There are several advantages of breathing through the nose-

• The nose acts as a filter and prevents harmful foreign air particles from entering the body.
• There is addition of moisture to the air that is taken in thereby preventing dryness of the lungs and bronchial tubes.
• The air gets warmed up to the body temperature before it is transmitted to the lungs.
• There is an increase of resistance in the air stream which enhances the oxygen intake by maintaining lung elasticity.

However, it is seen that, in some cases people breathe in and out through their mouths. This is called mouth breathing. Occasional mouth breathing is not a cause of worry as it is likely to be caused by a temporary problem like a blocked nose. But if this habit continues persistently, it is advisable to consult the doctor to rule out underlying medical conditions and get interventional training for restoring normal breathing.

Some of the common symptoms of breathing through the mouth are-

• Dryness in the mouth
• Hoarseness
• Dental problems
• Changes in speech
• Waking up with exhaustion and irritability
• Severe fatigue
• Presence of dark circles under the eyes
• Lack of concentration and clarity in thinking(also called Brain Fog)
• Bad breath
• Snoring and Sleep Apnea (Sleeping Disorders)

Causes for Mouth Breathing

There are several health conditions that contribute to mouth breathing

• Nasal congestion due to allergies, colds, asthma or sinus infections
• Deviated septum
• Nasal polyps (benign tissue growth in the nasal lining)
• Enlargement of tonsils, turbinates or adenoids
• Abnormalities in the shape or size of the nose or jaws
• History of thumb-sucking
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea(OSA)
• Some congenital abnormalities like cleft palate
• Presence of tumours

Risk Factors for Mouth Breathing

• Chronic Allergies
• Recurring or persistent sinus infections
• Asthma
• Severe stress and anxiety
• Hay Fever (Allergic Rhinitis)

Treatment for Mouth Breathing

• Medications - Medicines are prescribed for treating nasal congestions due to attacks from cold or allergies. It may include antihistamines, nasal decongestants and anti-inflammatory or steroid nasal sprays.
• Assistive Devices - Adhesive strips can also be used as nasal dilators for reducing the airflow resistance and aiding in nasal breathing. For patients suffering from OSA, doctors may advise the use of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) mask which prevents blockage and collapsing of airways by maintaining air pressure. For dental causes, especially in children, usage of an appliance for widening the palate and opening the sinus and nasal passage, braces or orthodontic treatment is recommended.
• Surgical Intervention - The removal of obstructive tonsils or adenoids is done by surgery if it causes mouth breathing. Problems arising from the shape of the nasal passages are addressed by a surgical intervention called Rhinoplasty where the surgeon widens the sinus passage or performs other procedures to change the nose shape to facilitate easy breathing.
• Therapy and Yoga - Physical Therapists can teach techniques that can help people to restrain their breathing by focusing on doing it through the nose rather than the mouth. These exercises control the movement of the mouth and tongue muscles for achieving nasal breathing. Yoga techniques like Pranayama can also help in overcoming mouth breathing.

Complications of Mouth Breathing

Mouth Breathing can lead to various health problems like

• Halitosis(Bad Breath)
• Infections in the throat and ear
• Periodontal diseases like Gingivitis, tooth decay and cavities
• Greater incidence of Sleep Apnea
• Swallowing and speech difficulties
• Worsening of asthma

In order to avoid complications, it is advisable to seek medical help as this condition is treatable. For more information on Mouth Breathing, Sleep Disorders and promising Rhinoplasty treatment in Coimbatore, please contact this ENT Hospital in Coimbatore.

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!