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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.

Answered by Dr. Shaikh Sadaf

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shaikh Sadaf is a Specialist in Diabetology and Endocrinology dedicated to providing comprehensive care for patients with hormonal and metabolic disorders. With two decades of clinical experience, she is skilled in managing diabetes, thyroid conditions, and a wide range of endocrine issues. Having trained internationally and earned prestigious memberships from leading medical colleges, Dr. Sadaf combines global expertise with a compassionate, patient-centered approach. She focuses on personalized treatment, preventive care, and long-term wellness to help patients achieve better health outcomes.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At August 24, 2017
Reviewed At May 14, 2024

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shaikh Sadaf is a Specialist in Diabetology and Endocrinology dedicated to providing comprehensive care for patients with hormonal and metabolic disorders. With two decades of clinical experience, she is skilled in managing diabetes, thyroid conditions, and a wide range of endocrine issues. Having trained internationally and earned prestigious memberships from leading medical colleges, Dr. Sadaf combines global expertise with a compassionate, patient-centered approach. She focuses on personalized treatment, preventive care, and long-term wellness to help patients achieve better health outcomes.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shaikh Sadaf is a Specialist in Diabetology and Endocrinology dedicated to providing comprehensive care for patients with hormonal and metabolic disorders. With two decades of clinical experience, she is skilled in managing diabetes, thyroid conditions, and a wide range of endocrine issues. Having trained internationally and earned prestigious memberships from leading medical colleges, Dr. Sadaf combines global expertise with a compassionate, patient-centered approach. She focuses on personalized treatment, preventive care, and long-term wellness to help patients achieve better health outcomes.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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