When is an operation necessary?
Surgery is particularly indicated when there are anatomical changes in the nasal structures. Often there is an enlargement of the inferior turbinates or a bending of the nasal septum. There are possibilities to surgically reduce the size of the lower nasal conchae, for example by laser surgery, radiofrequency surgery or by surgically cutting off the nasal conchae.
A bent nasal septum is also a common procedure, in which bent parts of the septum are removed and just put back together again. Surgery is basically always indicated in the case of anatomically caused nasal breathing obstruction, if the obstructed nasal breathing causes unpleasant symptoms for the affected person, such as sleep disturbances, snoring, a disturbed olfactory function or reduced performance. You can find out more about nasal septum surgery on our Nasal Septum Surgery page
How can you train nasal breathing?
There are various breathing exercises that help to breathe more through the nose. Yoga also offers specific exercises for nasal breathing. One possibility, which is often recommended for stress, is the 4-6-8 method.
You breathe in slowly through the nose and count to four. Then you hold your breath and count to six. Finally the air is slowly exhaled again.
Count to eight. This method creates a conscious inhalation through the nose and should be repeated at least five times in a row. Breathing exercises should make the inhalation and exhalation conscious, and the breathing should always be slow and targeted. Other tips for training nasal breathing and breathing in general can be found under breathing exercises
Snoring despite nasal breathing
On the one hand, impeded nasal breathing often leads to snoring. On the other hand, the causes of snoring can also be due to other reasons and occur despite healthy nasal breathing. Possible causes of snoring are, in addition to obstructing nasal breathing, enlarged pharyngeal tonsils, jaw malpositions, a supine position while sleeping, overweight, pregnancy, advanced age, the male sex, certain medications, alcohol and smoking.
Snoring children often have polyps. Rarely other anatomical disorders are the cause of snoring. These include a large, flaccid tongue that constricts the airways during sleep or a long soft palate that hangs in the airway.
The reasons for snoring are many and varied and can occur with or without obstructed nasal breathing. Snoring requires a thorough diagnosis and can be treated accordingly. Other articles on topics that might interest you:
- Mouth breathing
- Breathing exercises
- Nasal septum curvature
All articles in this series:
