Migraine is a serious neurological disorder, and it can have a profound impact on the quality of an individual’s life. People who suffer from migraines often experience pain, nausea, and light and sound sensitivity, and many have said that their migraines can last for hours or even days. There are a number of potential triggers for migraines, and while the exact cause of the disorder remains a mystery, there is evidence to suggest that there may be a link between mouth breathing and migraines.
What Is Mouth Breathing?
Mouth breathing occurs when an individual breathes in and out through their mouth, rather than their nose. While it may seem unimportant, there are actually several health-related reasons why it is better to breathe through the nose instead of the mouth. When you breathe through your nose, the air you breathe in is filtered by tiny hair-like structures called cilia, which help to trap and remove allergens and other particles from the air. Additionally, when you breathe through your nose, the air is warmed and humidified before it reaches the lungs. Mouth breathing, on the other hand, does not provide any of these benefits and can actually lead to some negative health effects.
The Link between Mouth Breathing and Migraines
Research has shown that mouth breathing can lead to an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for controlling essential bodily functions such as breathing, heart rate, and digestion. An imbalance in the autonomic nervous system has been linked to both chronic pain syndromes and migraineurs. According to one study published in the Journal of Neural Transmission, individuals with migraines were more likely to have an imbalance in their autonomic nervous system, as evidenced by a faster breathing rate and an increased heart rate. The study also found that an increased breathing rate, which is a common symptom of mouth breathing, was linked to an increased risk of experiencing a migraine attack.
Potential Treatments for Mouth Breathing and Migraines
If there is a link between mouth breathing and migraines, then it stands to reason that addressing the mouth breathing may help to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. There are several potential treatments for mouth breathing, including breathing exercises, biofeedback, and in some cases, oral myofunctional therapy. Oral myofunctional therapy is a technique used to retrain the muscles of the mouth and face to help individuals establish proper breathing patterns.
In addition to treating the mouth breathing, it is also important to identify and eliminate other potential triggers for migraines. For example, some common migraine triggers include stress, certain foods, alcohol, caffeine, and changes in temperature. Individuals who suffer from migraines should also make sure to establish and maintain a healthy sleep routine, as a lack of sleep can be a migraine trigger as well.
Conclusion
There is still much that is unknown about the link between mouth breathing and migraines, but the evidence suggests that there may be a connection. If you suffer from migraines and find yourself breathing through your mouth on a regular basis, it may be worth discussing the potential link with your healthcare provider. In addition, it is important to take steps to identify and eliminate any other potential triggers for migraine attacks in order to help you better manage and minimize your symptoms.
