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Can breathing from the mouth cause health problems later?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am 20. I am partly a mouth breather since childhood. I mean, I breathe through my mouth only while sleeping. Is it harmful? Will I get sleep apnea? I am a thin guy with no snoring issues.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I just read your query about mouth breathing. I would like to say that yes, eventually it causes enlarged tonsils as well as adenoids, and causes a nasal obstructionleading to obstructive sleep apnea. It can happen in any body type. If your nose is blocked because of nasal polyps or a hypertrophic nasal mucosa leading you to breathe through your mouth, then you must visit an ENT (ear, nose. and throat) specialist to correct the issue. Hope you find my advice of some benefit. Good luck.

Answered byDr. Shaikh Sadaf

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At August 24, 2017
Reviewed AtMay 14, 2024

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