Breathing provides our body with the oxygen that’s essential to our survival. It also releases the carbon dioxide out into the air, which is a byproduct of our body. For us to take full advantage of our oxygen supply, we need to use our nostrils to take the oxygen into our body.

However, some people use their mouth gasp for air, which can result in a few severe consequences. One way of treating this problem is by going to a Colorado-based hearing and balance clinic for an assessment. If they found out breathe through your mouth, they’ll offer you several ways to treat it.

Here are a few ways to help.

1. Practice

The first step that you need to do is to be aware of your breathing. Once you become aware of it, you can try breathing in through your nose and exhale through your mouth.

It’s not your lack of knowledge about breathing techniques that caused your problem. Instead, you only need to be aware of it and to practice the proper methods.

2. Check for any nose blockage

Although it seems obvious, yet several people who breathe through their mouth have something blocking their nasal passage. Blowing your nose or even using a nasal wash can help clear your nasal passage of any foreign body that’s preventing it. Try using saline nasal mists and nasal decongestants to help relieve yourself from any allergy or cold symptoms that produce the mucus in your nose.

3. Stress management

Stress has a lot of effect on people, including the way that we breathe. When people become stressed, their manner of breathing becomes faster. That’s why people often use their mouths to take deep breaths, especially during stressful scenarios. If this happens, then it’s best to see a doctor in helping you manage your stress. You can also try to change your environment to see if it’ll help.

4. Choose the right pillow

If you notice that you’re struggling to breathe when you’re sleeping, then using a different pillow to change the height of your head. Another way is to add an extra cushion to prop your head up. Doing so will make it much easier for you to breathe even if you’re sleeping.

5. Be active

Doing a few exercises can also increase your need for deep breaths. Since our natural way of taking oxygen is through our nose, it’ll help you condition yourself to breathe through your nose instead of your mouth.

6. Surgery

If you still notice that none of the suggestions don’t work, then there’s a chance that you need to have nose reconstruction. You can try to talk to your doctor to ask about the surgeries available for your condition.

These are just a few of the things that you need to consider to be able to stop you from mouth breathing. It’s always best to consult a doctor to know the best methods to help you with your breathing. Although it can be difficult at first, you can eventually stop yourself from breathing through your mouth with constant practice and a lot of patience.