Should You Be Concerned About Mouth Breathing After Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a life changing procedure. However, it is common to experience some temporary side effects. As many patients can’t breathe after rhinoplasty.

Although it may seem alarming, it is a normal response to the surgical changes made to the nasal passages. However, the best way to deal with rhinoplasty breathing problems is to understand underlying causes and potential solutions.

Moreover, mouth breathing post-rhinoplasty can lead to dry mouth, bad breath, and other respiratory issues.

Let’s explore the world of mouth breathing after rhinoplasty, including its causes, risks and solutions for a smooth recovery.

Here are some tips to improve mouth breathing:

• Conscious Breathing: Breath through your mouth consciously with deep and slow breaths.
• Relaxed Mouth: Avoid clenching your teeth and keep your mouth relaxed during breathing. You can also keep your mouth slightly open.
• Tongue Position: Keeping your tongue slightly forward while touching the roof of your mouth helps the airway open.

What Factors Affect Mouth Breathing After Rhinoplasty?

Numerous factors can affect mouth breathing of an individual after rhinoplasty. Here are a few ones:

• Surgical Technique: Open and closed surgical techniques can impact mouth breathing.
• Nasal Septum Modification: Alterations such as septoplasty also affect breathing.
• Nasal Valve Modification: Changes to the nasal valve, such as narrowing or widening, can affect nasal breathing and mouth breathing.
• Age: Older patients tend to experience more nasal dryness which leads to mouth breathing.
• Temperatures: Extreme temperatures or humidity levels can affect mouth breathing.

• Dehydration: Mouth breathing leads to dehydration, so you need to intake extra fluids.
• Throat Irritation: Especially dry air when breath through the mouth causes throat irritation and discomfort.
• Sleep Disturbances: Mouth breathing can also lead to less sleep which leads to fatigue.
• Respiratory Infections: As mouth breathing leads to bypassing of the natural filtration nose system, thus increasing risk of respiratory infections.
• Delayed Healing: Oral breathing reduces blood flow and oxygenation to the nose, thus delays healing.

When To Seek Medical Help For Mouth Breathing Issues?

Although considered normal, in certain cases patients should seek medical attention. Consult your surgeon if:

• Difficulty Breathing: If you experience shortness of breath or severe respiratory distress.
• Severe Pain: Patients having intense pain, pressure or discomfort in the nose, face or head.
• Bleeding Or Discharge: Heavy bleeding, excessive discharge or foul odor from nose need medical attention.
• Fever: Individuals suffering from fever over 101.5°F (38.6°C) or experience chills.
• Swollen Face Or Eyes: If you notice unusual swelling, redness, or bruising around your eyes or face.

• Air Humidifier: Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, which can help reduce nasal dryness and congestion.
• Head Elevation: Sleep with an elevated head by using extra pillows to reduce congestion.
• Avoid Blowing Your Nose: Refrain from blowing your nose for at least 2 weeks after rhinoplasty.
• Use Nasal Strips: Apply nasal strips or dilators to help open up your nasal passages and improve breathing.
• Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Engage in regular exercise, eat a balanced diet, and manage stress to promote overall health and well-being.