Why Can’t I Breathe Through My Nose?

Everything you do, including walking, chatting with friends, humming a tune, smelling a flower, or working out, happens because of your ability to breathe. 

The process of respiration starts in your nose and mouth and takes air into your lungs. This allows you to get the oxygen you need and expel carbon dioxide (a function known as the gas exchange) which warms and moisturizes the air you take in and allows you to smell and speak.

If you struggle with breathing through your nose, you can get help from our ENT department at Michigan Avenue Primary Care in Chicago, Illinois.

While it’s possible to breathe through your mouth, using both your mouth and nose allows you to breathe easier and is better for your health. Problems breathing through your nose can be due to different underlying issues. 

Let’s examine why you breathe through your nose, the causes of nose breathing problems, and what can be done to treat your issues.

Why you breathe through your nose

As a whole, breathing is an autonomic function, meaning it happens independently of a conscious action to do so. It’s both natural and healthier to breathe through your nose because it helps your body more effectively use the air you take in. 

Your nose is uniquely suited to filter out foreign particles that may come with the air you breathe, humidify the air as it enters your body, and help widen blood vessels by releasing nitric oxide which helps your circulation.

Causes of nose breathing problems

Mouth breathing is the general term for difficulty breathing through your nose, and it’s caused by different factors:

Nasal congestion

Commonly caused by upper respiratory illnesses like colds, influenza (the flu), allergic reactions, and chronic sinusitis, these illnesses inflame your nasal passages and make breathing more difficult.

Enlarged adenoids

The glands located above your mouth and behind your nose are called adenoids, and bacteria and viruses can cause them to become infected and swollen, blocking your airways. This is more common in children since your adenoids become smaller as you get older.

Deviated septum

Your nose is divided into two symmetrical parts. The cartilage that runs down the center is your septum. A deviated septum may result from an injury to your nose from impact sports, an altercation, or an accident, or it can be something you're born with.

Treatment options

Just as the causes of nose breathing problems are different, the treatment methods also vary. Nasal congestion can be managed through medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays, and anti-inflammatory drugs. 

Enlarged adenoids and a deviated septum can be treated with surgery (adenoidectomy and septoplasty, respectively), and therapy can be used to train you to resume nasal breathing, refocusing from breathing through your mouth.

If you’re struggling to breathe through your nose, make an appointment with the ENT team at Michigan Avenue Primary Care today to get the help you need. Call our office or schedule your visit online.