Are You Breathing Wrong? Mouth Breathing May Double Nasal Congestion 😮

Breathing through your mouth could mean you’re twice as likely to experience regular nasal congestion, according to research. <br /><br />A study, of 2,000 adults, found 13 per cent typically breathe through their mouths, and this increases to 18 per cent when asleep. <br /><br />But of these, nearly one in three (31 per cent) admitted they experience nasal congestion often. <br /><br />In comparison, just 15 per cent of those who breathe through their noses feel bunged up regularly. <br /><br />It also emerged that as a result of these regular stuffy noses, 38 per cent are being kept up at night. <br /><br />The research was commissioned by Olbas [https://www.olbas.co.uk/], which has teamed up with Dr Roger Henderson, a GP of over 30 years, who said: “Breathing through your mouth can cause several health issues compared to when you breathe more healthily through your nose. <br /><br />“Mouth breathing can cause less oxygen to be delivered to the body and one of the problems this can cause is disturbed sleep and increased daytime fatigue and tiredness. <br /><br />“It also causes the mouth to dry out, which in turn increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. <br /><br />“There may also be an increased risk of upper airway infections as well as inflammation of the tonsils and adenoids. <br /><br />“Nasal obstruction is a common reason for mouth breathing, often caused by nasal allergies or enlarged adenoids.” <br /><br />The research also found, of those who experience regular nasal congestion, 64 per cent are getting blocked noses. <br /><br />While one in three are getting runny noses, and 31 per cent are even having sinus pressure and pain. <br /><br />Whereas another 31 per cent have found breathing difficult as a result. <br /><br />Nasal sprays, steam inhalation and decongestants are the most popular remedies people are turning to as they attempt to relieve their congestion. <br /><br />However, as a result of being regularly bunged up 37 per cent have been kept awake at night and 30 per cent have found it difficult to nod off. <br /><br />In addition, this has then caused tiredness throughout the day for 28 per cent. <br /><br />The research, which was conducted via OnePoll, also found those who are breathing through their mouths are having worse sleep compared to those who do not. <br /><br />With 56 per cent of mouth breathers claiming their quality of sleep as good, compared to 68 per cent of those who predominantly breathe through their nose. <br /><br />Dr Roger Henderson added: “To help reduce mouth breathing and nasal congestion, use a saline spray or nasal decongestant, sleep on your back with an extra pillow to prop up your head and help promote nasal breathing. <br /><br />“Try to keep your house as free of allergens as possible and consciously practice breathing through your nose during the day to help train yourself into a habit of nasal breathing.” <br /><br />Claire Campbell, from Olbas, said: "It’s clear that breathing through your mouth is causing Brits more issues when it comes to nasal congestion. <br /><br />“This in turn is having a detrimental impact on their day-to-day life as they struggle with health conditions. <br /><br />“This is why we developed our range with a mixture of plant oils, to help unblock stuffy and congested noses.”