Breathing

It slips inside, unnoticed
A translucent, hearth-warm touch
Then motionless,
Until a gasp
undoes too much.

Breathing is a subconscious act that sustains life, yet the way we breathe—through the nose or the mouth—can have profound implications for our health. Mouth breathing, especially when it becomes chronic, is increasingly recognized as a significant contributor to a wide range of physical and cognitive health problems. While it may seem harmless, breathing constantly through the mouth disrupts the body’s natural respiratory mechanisms and is associated with both short- and long-term consequences.

The nose is more than a passageway for air; it acts as a filter, humidifier, and thermostat. It warms and moistens the air before it reaches the lungs and filters out harmful particles. Nasal breathing also promotes nitric oxide production, a molecule that improves oxygen transport, regulates blood pressure, and even possesses antimicrobial properties. A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (2002) emphasized that nasal breathing enhances oxygen uptake by as much as 10 to 15 percent compared to mouth breathing, underlining the physiological efficiency of the nasal route.

In contrast, habitual mouth breathing bypasses these benefits. It allows cold, dry, and unfiltered air to enter the lungs, increasing susceptibility to respiratory infections and exacerbating conditions such as asthma and allergies. The dental implications are equally troubling. Research from the Journal of the American Dental Association has shown that chronic mouth breathing in children is linked to altered facial growth patterns, commonly referred to as “long face syndrome,” along with increased risk of malocclusion, dry mouth, and tooth decay due to reduced saliva production.

Sleep is another domain where mouth breathing exerts its toll. Breathing through the mouth during sleep is strongly associated with snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. According to a 2015 study in the journal Respiratory Physiology & Neurobiology, mouth breathing was found to increase airway resistance during sleep and was linked to greater incidence of nocturnal arousals and poor sleep quality. This can result in chronic fatigue, irritability, and impaired cognitive performance. In children, these sleep disruptions are often misdiagnosed as behavioral disorders like ADHD. A pivotal paper in Pediatrics (2012) concluded that addressing mouth breathing and sleep-disordered breathing in children significantly improved behavior, attention, and academic performance.

The psychological effects should not be underestimated. Mouth breathing is associated with a constant state of mild hyperventilation, leading to lowered carbon dioxide levels in the blood, a condition known as hypocapnia. This can result in symptoms such as anxiety, dizziness, and poor concentration. Dr. Konstantin Buteyko, a Soviet physiologist, argued extensively that many chronic diseases, particularly respiratory conditions like asthma, were exacerbated by dysfunctional breathing patterns, primarily mouth breathing. His work inspired the development of the Buteyko Breathing Method, which has gained increasing clinical support as a non-pharmacological approach to respiratory health.

Mouth breathing is also a reflection of an increasingly sedentary, stressed, and overstimulated society. Prolonged screen time, poor posture, and chronic stress contribute to the collapse of nasal breathing habits. A 2019 study in Clinical Otolaryngology noted that individuals with high levels of screen use and poor posture were significantly more likely to develop chronic mouth breathing habits.

I look at that through the EMF lense. EMF exposure could shift autonomic balance towards sympathetic dominance, essentially triggering a mild but persistent “fight or flight” state. In such a state, people are more likely to adopt shallow, rapid breathing patterns and are less conscious of nasal breathing, especially during prolonged device use. This physiological tension, subtly sustained throughout the day, may inadvertently reinforce dysfunctional breathing habits including mouth breathing.

And there is more.

A study by Braune et al. (2002) investigated the effects of EMF exposure on cardiovascular and hormonal parameters of the autonomic nervous system in healthy individuals. The study found that EMF exposure could increase sympathetic vasoconstrictor activity, suggesting a shift towards sympathetic dominance, which is associated with the “fight or flight” response. This state can lead to shallow, rapid breathing patterns, potentially reducing the awareness and practice of nasal breathing. ​PubMed

Another study examined the impact of radiofrequency EMF on heart rate variability (HRV) in adolescent students. The findings indicated that EMF exposure could affect HRV, reflecting changes in autonomic nervous system balance. Alterations in HRV are associated with stress responses and could influence breathing patterns. ​ResearchGate

Furthermore, a systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the effects of man-made EMFs on HRV parameters in the general public. The review concluded that EMF exposure might lead to changes in HRV, suggesting an impact on autonomic nervous system function, which could, in turn, affect respiratory patterns. ​ResearchGate

While these studies do not directly link EMF exposure to mouth breathing, they highlight the potential for EMFs to influence autonomic nervous system activity, which governs involuntary functions such as breathing.

I tried to find any research that would indicate deeper understanding. Obviously there might be physical conditions that require a surgical intervention to move breathing from mouth to nose. I like to assume that our bodies are at many times smarter than our scientists. One thing would be a sure bet to me – body must be reacting to stressor by cutting off oxygen. To preserve the energy.

I couldn’t find much research on that though. So today, I needed to conclude that prolonged mouth breathing is something that is worth to reconsider “doing something about”.

Just unsure what, when and how 🙂