Headaches can be a severe affliction for many people, and can be triggered by a range of different factors. Among the various possible causes, it has been suggested that mouth breathing may directly contribute to the development of headaches. In exploring this claim, it is important to consider the available evidence in order to gain a better understanding of the potential relationship between mouth breathing and headaches.
What is Mouth Breathing?
Mouth breathing is when an individual primarily uses their mouth to breathe, rather than their nose. This can occur either during the day or at night while an individual is sleeping. Many people may experience occasional episodes of mouth breathing due to a blocked nose, but chronic mouth breathing is generally something that needs to be addressed.
The Potential Alignment Between Mouth Breathing and Headaches
One of the proposed mechanisms through which mouth breathing could directly cause headaches is via the impact that it may have on the levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen within a person’s body. Those who frequently breathe through their mouths are more likely to experience increased respiration, leading to lower levels of carbon dioxide and an imbalance in oxygen/carbon dioxide levels. This could then potentially trigger a headache.
In addition, it has also been suggested that mouth breathing might increase activity within certain cranio-cervical muscles, subsequently causing tension and potentially leading to headaches.
The Evidence on the Association Between Mouth Breathing and Headaches
Experimental Studies
Studies exploring the potential link between mouth breathing and headaches are relatively limited, with most investigations focusing on the potential impacts of mouth breathing on sleep quality and lung function, rather than on the development of headaches. However, a small number of experimental studies have been conducted to specifically explore the effects of mouth breathing on headache occurrence. One small study published in 2002 in the journal Neurology found a significant association between mouth breathing and the frequency of headaches.
Clinical Observational Studies
Few clinical observational studies have been conducted specifically to explore the association between mouth breathing and headaches. A 2013 study published in the journal Headache assessed the prevalence of mouth breathing among different headache types, but found no significant association between mouth breathing and headache frequency. Another study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine in 2002 also found no significant association between mouth breathing and headaches.
Clinical Trials
At the present time, there is no existing evidence from randomized controlled trials specifically assessing the association between mouth breathing and headache occurrence. As such, it is not yet possible to definitively conclude whether or not there is an actual direct relationship between mouth breathing and headaches.
Conclusion
The available evidence suggests that mouth breathing may potentially directly cause headaches, through a variety of different mechanisms. However, the current evidence is limited and conflicting and therefore no definitive conclusions can currently be made. As such, it is important for additional research to be conducted to gain a better understanding of the potential association between mouth breathing and headaches.
