Why Is Breathing Through the Nose Important?
The nose and sinus (upper airway) should be as clear as possible when exercising so that nasal breathing can take place. This is important because the nasal passages contain a natural filtering and humidifying system. This system will help keep the air at proper temperature and humidity. In addition, this nasal filtering system will help to keep out pollutants, irritants and allergens. If a person breathes through the mouth, this filtering and humidifying system is bypassed. Mouth breathing can introduce irritants to the bronchial tubes and lungs, and the exercise program will be less effective. It may be necessary or helpful for the allergic patient to use a medication that will keep the nasal airways open, such as an antihistamine, decongestant, nasal cromolyn sodium or a nasal steroid spray. (Check with your doctor, as many of these are prescription medications.) The asthmatic patient may need to use medication for the bronchial tubes if exercise causes symptoms of chest tightness,
Related Questions
- I have trouble breathing through my nose and have terrible sinus problems (or other breathing problems). Will my insurance policy pay for rhinoplasty?
- Can a single rhinoplasty procedure correct my breathing problems and leave me with a better looking nose, too?
- Can the breathing through the nose be made worse by having cosmetic surgery performed?
