“Get rid of your headache and breathe through your nose!” This is a common refrain when someone is experiencing a headache. It is often recommended that individuals avoid breathing through their mouth, but many people find it difficult to break the habit. Is there any scientific evidence to show that mouth breathing contributes to the development of headaches? The answer, it turns out, is yes. In order to understand how mouth breathing can lead to headache development, it is important to first understand the anatomy of the nose and throat and how they influence headache development, as well as what type of headaches are most strongly associated with mouth breathing.
Anatomy of the Nose and Throat
The nose and throat are two parts of the body that have a large impact on headache development. The nose is responsible for allowing air to be inhaled into the body, while the throat is responsible for moving air from the nose to the lungs. The nose and throat are also home to a number of other structures that can contribute to headache development, including the sinuses, which are air-filled spaces located between the nose and the ears, which can become inflamed and cause headaches. Likewise, the tonsils are located at the base of the throat and can become inflamed, leading to headache development.
Type of Headaches Most Commonly Associated with Mouth Breathing
There are a number of different types of headaches, but the condition most often associated with mouth breathing is referred to as a sinus headache. A sinus headache occurs when the sinuses located between the nose and the ears become inflamed. This can be caused by a number of different factors, including allergies, upper respiratory infections, or chronic sinusitis.
In addition to sinus headaches, mouth breathing can also lead to the development of tension headaches. Tension headaches are the most common type of headache and are characterized by a dull, steady ache, typically felt in the back of the head, neck, and shoulder muscles. Tension headaches can be caused by a number of different factors, including muscle tension, stress, and poor posture.
How Mouth Breathing Can Lead to Headache Development
The greatest risk factors for developing a headache due to mouth breathing are allergies and upper respiratory infections. When an individual breathes through their mouth, they bypass the natural defense mechanisms of the nose and throat, meaning that any irritants in the air are able to reach the sinuses more easily. Likewise, when an individual breathes through their mouth, they are more likely to inhale very small particles, such as dust or pollen, that can become lodged in the sinuses, leading to an inflammatory response and the development of a headache. In addition, when an individual breathes through their mouth, they are more likely to have a dry mouth, which can lead to muscle tension and the development of a tension headache.
Treatment and Prevention of Mouth Breathing-Induced Headaches
In order to prevent or treat the development of mouth breathing-induced headaches, it is recommended that individuals work on breaking the habit of breathing through their mouth. This can be done by regularly reminding oneself to breathe through the nose instead of the mouth. In addition, it is a good idea to work with a healthcare professional to address any underlying conditions, such as allergies, upper respiratory infections, or wine food intolerances, that could be contributing to the development of the headaches. Finally, individuals who are experiencing mouth breathing-induced headaches should talk to their healthcare professional about the use of over-the-counter or prescription medications, such as decongestants and antihistamines, that can help to alleviate the symptoms of a sinus headache.
Conclusion
Mouth breathing can lead to the development of a number of different types of headaches, although it is most strongly associated with the development of sinus and tension headaches. When an individual breathes through their mouth, they bypass the natural defense mechanisms of the nose and throat, meaning that any irritants in the air are more likely to reach the sinuses, leading to an inflammatory response. In addition, mouth breathing can also lead to a dry mouth, which can lead to muscle tension and the development of a tension headache. It is recommended that individuals who experience mouth breathing-induced headaches work with a healthcare professional to address any underlying conditions and work on breaking the habit of breathing through the mouth.