Breathing gives you life, helps oxygenate cells, release toxins, increase physical vitality and restore emotional balance. However, there are some physiological and organic problems, accompanied by unhealthy habits, which directly affect nasal breathing. Decreasing energy levels, affecting the quality of sleep and developing pathologies that deteriorate the nervous system, brain health and the digestive mechanism.
Breathe well to live better
Breathing well is a vital act, since without oxygen, human life is at risk. Thus, it is recommended to take advantage of diaphragmatic breathing and use alternative techniques such as yoga and meditation. Where they teach how to breathe consciously to achieve; among other benefits; oxygenate all the cells of the body and calm the mind.
- There are anatomical factors that influence nasal breathing. It is like this, like the deviation of the septum, due to malformations or injuries; the alterations of the nasal valve; the widening of the turbinates and the perforations produced by the inhalation of toxic substances. They cause problems in the flow of air, in the area of the nostrils.1
- Pathologies such as vasomotor rhinitis, allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis, caused by environmental components, emotional stimuli, food, infections and the intake of some medications. They can be considered triggers for bad nose breathing. Since, they inflame the nasal mucosa, the turbinates and the paranasal sinuses, obstructing the passage of air.2
- The proliferation of polyps and tumor masses of malignant or benign characteristics in the area of the nose; they obstruct the correct passage of air into the lungs, affecting respiration. In addition, this is considered a critical situation, which can lead to loss of the sense of smell, facial swelling, palar lesions and frequent nosebleeds.3
- The incorrect use of spray and nasal drops to decongest the nose, can lead to major problems. Since, some substances used without a prescription increase the risk of deteriorating the nasal tissues and generating greater obstruction. Therefore, self-medication should be avoided and always follow the doctor’s recommendations.
The otolaryngologist will rely on diagnostic tests such as nasal fiberscope, allergy tests, X-rays, and biopsy. To establish an adequate treatment, according to the severity of the clinical picture. Where it can include drugs that inhibit inflammation and infections. But, in more serious cases it will be necessary to resort to surgical intervention, seeking to correct structural damage.
In this same way, specialists make some recommendations to breathe better. Noting that you should not take forced inspirations, avoid highly contaminated spaces, apply diaphragmatic breathing and stay away from toxic substances. Likewise, in case of having trouble breathing when sleeping, they suggest adjusting the head of the bed 20 or 30 degrees above the bottom. Thus, in this way the airways will be clearer, avoiding snoring and possible complications.
There are anatomical, environmental and physiological factors that can increase the risk of causing problems when breathing through the nose. For this reason, it is important to avoid self-medication, follow prevention recommendations, and consult a doctor to cover up a palliative scheme and rule out carcinomas and major pathologies.
References:
- Dr. José Miguel Aparicio Fernández. Why am I not breathing well through my nose? TopDoctors. [internet] 2015. [consultado 10 abril 2021]. Available in: https://www.topdoctors.es/articulos-medicos/por-que-no-respiro-bien-por-la-nariz#.
- JA Guerrero, I. Sánchez, E, Chachi, T. Rivera. Inflammatory nasal and sinus diseases. NCBI. [internet] 2012[ consultado 10 abril 2021]; 10 (91): 6180-6189. Available at:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7143596/.
3.Medlineplus. Injuries and diseases of the nose. Available in:
https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/noseinjuriesanddisorders.html