The health science behind nose or nasal breathing is highlighted in a new book entitled Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art. Ongoing research from Stanford as well as other sources tells us that breathing through the nose has significant health advantages over mouth breathing.
Nasal breathing decreases snoring, improves treatment of sleep apnea, decreases blood pressure, and it can also allow us to absorb up to 18% more oxygen. It may also eliminate dry mouth, dental cavities, and help with lung diseases. Breathing through our noses is also healthier because the air delivered to the lungs is cleaner and humidified versus mouth delivered air.
Our bodies are designed to breathe (at a rate of 18-20 times per minute) through the nose. However a variety of problems causing nasal congestion or obstruction impair our ability to breathe clearly through the nose. These include allergies, deviated nasal septum, nasal polyps, chronic sinusitis, enlarged turbinates, and other sinus disorders.
Fortunately, virtually all of these problems can be successfully treated. It begins with a proper diagnosis, often employing a careful exam and customized treatment plan. If you suffer from poor nose breathing, have this problem properly evaluated so you can get back to healthier breathing!
