Correct breathing occurs through the nose and helps prepare the air that reaches the lungs; Difficulties in this process should be evaluated by a doctor
Having a better quality of life is the goal of many people and the nose plays a vital role in this. Breathing in through your nostrils, for example, especially slowly and deeply, can help reduce anxiety and fatigue. Furthermore, adequate breathing ensures a good night’s sleep and lower susceptibility to infectious diseases.
With this in mind, the Brazilian Association of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery (ABORL-CCF) and the Brazilian Academy of Rhinology (ABR) are promoting the Nasal breathing campaign. With the motto “healthy breathing, balanced body”, doctors advise on the importance of this habit for a calmer life in several respects.
As the president of ABORL-CCF, Fabrizio Romano, explained, breathing, especially that which occurs through the nose and not through the mouth, plays an important role in preparing the air that reaches the lungs. As the air passes through the nose, it is filtered, moistened and heated, making gas exchange more efficient: this contributes to well-being and also to the perception of different odors.
However, when breathing is inadequate, the entire process is compromised, increasing the risk of certain health problems. For example: When we breathe air through the mouth, microorganisms have free passage to enter the body, which increases the risk of infectious diseases.
Additionally, this type of breathing can cause fatigue and difficulty relaxing during sleep, resulting in tiredness and lack of energy for daily activities. “Lack of energy not only affects the body, but also the mind, causing difficulty concentrating, anxiety and stress,” explains Romano.
What are the signs that your breathing is not going well?
According to the expert, ideal breathing always occurs through the nose. Therefore, people who take in air through their mouth or who need to make considerable effort to inhale and exhale should exercise caution.
Furthermore, snoring during sleep and difficulty breathing during physical activity are also signs of inadequate breathing.
“All of these symptoms should alert the patient to seek medical help. Ignoring these signs can lead to more serious health problems in the future,” Romano said.
What are the risks of unhealthy breathing?
Among the consequences, the specialist highlights orthodontic alterations and postural deformities, which can arise as a result of inadequate breathing patterns. Additionally, compromised respiratory health can lead to worsening symptoms of conditions such as asthma, making respiratory infections more frequent and severe, including cases of pneumonia.
Another worrying aspect is the impact on sleep, with the possibility of developing obstructive apnea. “This condition not only interrupts adequate rest, but can also trigger a variety of health problems, such as high blood pressure, weight gain and difficulty concentrating,” Romano said.
How to improve breathing?
According to the doctor, ensuring healthy breathing involves an individual approach, aimed at the specific type of condition affecting each patient. In general, nasal washing with saline or saline solution is a beneficial home practice that everyone can adopt without contraindications, significantly contributing to improving nasal respiratory health.
Antiallergic treatments may be necessary for patients with allergic rhinitis. Meanwhile, those suffering from nasal polyposis or deviated septum may eventually require surgical interventions.
“The central message is that there are currently several therapeutic options and techniques to solve patients’ respiratory problems, as long as they are correctly diagnosed by a doctor,” Romano underlined.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
