Mouth breathing

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's weight loss doctor NYC
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Mouth breathing
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Dry mouth, bad breath, snoring, daytime sleepiness
Complications	Sleep apnea, dental problems, facial deformities
Onset	Can occur at any age
Duration	Chronic or acute
Types	N/A
Causes	Nasal obstruction, allergies, enlarged tonsils, adenoid hypertrophy
Risks	Sleep disorders, dental malocclusion, speech problems
Diagnosis	Physical examination, nasal endoscopy, sleep study
Differential diagnosis	Allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, deviated septum
Prevention	Treat underlying causes, nasal breathing exercises
Treatment	Nasal decongestants, allergy medications, surgery
Medication	Antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Common
Deaths	Rarely directly causes death

Mouth breathing is the act of inhaling and exhaling through the mouth rather than the nose. It can be a symptom of various health conditions, or a habit developed due to certain lifestyle factors.

Causes

Mouth breathing can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Nasal congestion: This is often due to allergies or a cold, which can block the nasal passages and force a person to breathe through their mouth.
• Deviated septum: This is a condition where the thin wall between the nasal passages is displaced to one side, making it difficult to breathe through the nose.
• Sleep apnea: This is a serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts. It can cause a person to breathe through their mouth to get enough oxygen.
• Habit: Some people breathe through their mouth out of habit, often due to stress or anxiety.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of mouth breathing include:

• Dry mouth
• Bad breath
• Snoring
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Facial deformities in children

Treatment

Treatment for mouth breathing depends on the underlying cause. It may include:

• Nasal decongestants: These can help clear the nasal passages and allow for easier breathing through the nose.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be required to correct a deviated septum or other physical abnormalities.
• Breathing exercises: These can help retrain the body to breathe through the nose instead of the mouth.
• Lifestyle changes: This can include reducing stress and anxiety, which can contribute to mouth breathing.

See also

• Nose breathing
• Sleep apnea
• Deviated septum