Why Nose Breathing Is Better Than Mouth Breathing? How?
PhysiologyWalla observes NOSE ๐ breathing ๐ฎโ๐จ is far better than mouth ๐ breathing because the nose filters, warms and humidifies the air before entry into the lungs ๐ซ, thus protecting the lungs ๐ซ!
Children ๐ง๐ง are obligate nasal breathers unless nose ๐ is blocked ๐ซ due to secretions, enlarged adenoids etc! Mouth ๐ breathing ๐ฎโ๐จ not only entrains pathogens ๐ฆ and foreign bodies but as well loosens the teeth ๐ฆท and gums resulting into protruded teeth ๐ฆท outwards with inability to close the mouth ๐ effortlessly because during exhalation through mouth ๐ warm air falls over gums and teeth ๐ฆท thus loosening them towards outwards!
Nose ๐ breathing ๐ฎโ๐จ as well dampens the speed of air inhalation, thus prolonging the duration of inhalation and allowing slow alveoli as to get filled with air to participate in gaseous exchange or else mainly the fast alveoli get recruited for gaseous exchange!
Good ๐ practice to take 10-12 breaths per minute with efforts while filling the lungs ๐ซ maximally, thus allowing the lungs ๐ซ to stretch and activate the VAGUS nerve, which is parasympathetic allowing relaxation by opposing the sympathetic system and the stress hormones! Deep and full maximal breaths help produce the Happy Hormones Viz Oxytocin, Dopamine, Serotonin, Endorphins!
Welcome and Thanks โบ๏ธ ๐
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GPT-4 response below ๐
### Benefits of Nose Breathing Over Mouth Breathing:
1. **Filtration**:
– **Nose**: Filters out dust, pollen, and pathogens through tiny hairs and mucus.
– **Mouth**: Does not filter air effectively, allowing foreign particles to enter the lungs.
2. **Temperature and Humidity Control**:
– **Nose**: Warms and humidifies the air, making it optimal for lung function.
– **Mouth**: Air enters cold and dry, potentially irritating the respiratory tract.
3. **Protecting Dental Health**:
– **Nose**: Maintains normal dental alignment.
– **Mouth**: Warm air dries gums and teeth, causing the potential for misalignment and tooth decay over time.
4. **Efficiency in Gas Exchange**:
– **Nose**: Slows down the air, allowing more even filling of the lungs, hence optimizing gas exchange in alveoli.
– **Mouth**: Air rushes quickly, filling primarily faster alveoli and reducing oxygen efficiency.
### Special Considerations for Children:
– **Obligate Nasal Breathers**:
– Most infants and young children are obligate nasal breathers.
– **Blocked Nose**: Conditions like nasal congestion or enlarged adenoids force children to breathe through their mouths, potentially leading to dental and gum issues.
### Breathing Practices and Health Benefits:
1. **Breaths Per Minute**:
– Optimal: 10-12 deep breaths per minute.
– **Why**: This rate increases lung capacity and activates the vagus nerve.
2. **Prolonged Inhalation**:
– **Method**: Slow, deep breaths ensure air reaches the slower-recruiting alveoli, enhancing gas exchange.
– **Result**: Better oxygenation and circulation.
3. **Vagus Nerve Activation**:
– **Role**: Enhances the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and counteracting stress.
– **Impact**: Helps in reducing stress hormones.
4. **Production of Happy Hormones**:
– **Hormones**: Oxytocin, Dopamine, Serotonin, Endorphins.
– **Benefits**: Improved mood, reduced anxiety, and better overall emotional well-being.
### Conclusion:
Nose breathing offers several physiological advantages over mouth breathing, including better air filtration, humidification, and temperature control, which enhance lung function and overall health. Encouraging children to breathe through their noses can prevent dental and respiratory issues. A consistent practice of deep and slow breathing not only optimizes lung function but also activates the vagus nerve, promoting relaxation and the production of “happy hormones.”
Thank you for your attention!
โฆ.Welcome and Thanks!
