Take a deep breath in—then exhale. We take breathing for granted until it becomes a problem or only pay attention to breathing patterns during a yoga class or meditation session. With that said, breathing improperly through your nose (yes, nose breathing matters as much as diaphragmatic breathing!), can chip away at your well-being and even your health. And that’s why issues such as deviated septums are no joke. This post will examine how essential proper nose breathing is for us, the functions of nose breathing, and when poor nose breathing needs treatment.
1. Helps to Induce Relaxation
Breathe through your nose, and notice how it naturally slows down your breathing. That gentle resistance from your nasal passages? It’s what helps relax your body and calm your mind. Breathing this way regulates airflow and helps you feel centered and a sense of peace.
2. Boosts Cognitive Function
You might not connect nasal breathing with brainpower, but the two are linked. Breathing through your nose keeps your brain sharp and your energy levels up. Studies show that clear nasal pathways lead to better focus, helping you stay on top of tasks—whether you’re at work or running errands—without feeling mentally drained.
3. Enhances Visuospatial Awareness
Ever wonder why some athletes seem to react in the blink of an eye? Turns out, nasal breathing plays a role in quick decision-making. Research suggests that breathing through the nose activates parts of the brain responsible for awareness and focus. So, whether you’re dodging obstacles in a soccer game or navigating a busy street, nasal breathing can give you that extra mental clarity.
4. Reduces Vocal Effort
When it comes to using your voice—whether singing, speaking at a meeting, or teaching a class—how you breathe matters. Nasal breathing filters and humidifies the air, reducing irritation to your vocal cords. This means less strain and a clearer, more consistent voice, letting you talk or sing for longer without fatigue.
5. Improves Diaphragm Recruitment
Breathe through your nose, and you’ll feel your diaphragm kick into action. Nose breathing encourages deeper, more effective breaths by activating this key breathing muscle. It’s why activities like Pilates or a brisk walk feel easier when you focus on nasal breathing—you’re tapping into your body’s natural breathing efficiency.
6. Increases Oxygen Uptake
Nasal breathing doesn’t just feel better—it’s more effective at getting oxygen into your bloodstream. Studies show that nose breathing can increase oxygen uptake by nearly 10%, boosting your energy. So, whether you’re jogging or climbing stairs, breathing through your nose helps your muscles work harder without tiring as quickly.
7. Helps Control Asthma
For those with asthma, nasal breathing can be a game-changer. It helps reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms, particularly during exercise. When you breathe through your nose, you minimize the triggers that cause flare-ups, helping you move through your day without worrying about shortness of breath.
8. Protects Against Pathogens
Your nose is more than just a breathing tool—it’s a powerful filter. Every time you breathe through it, your nasal passages trap harmful particles like bacteria and viruses. It’s like having a built-in defense system, protecting your lungs from airborne threats.
9. Improves Sleep Oxygenation
Struggling with restless sleep or waking up tired? Nasal breathing during sleep is key to getting better rest. It ensures more oxygen enters your body, which is especially important for those with sleep apnea. Focusing on nose breathing at night can improve your sleep quality and leave you feeling refreshed in the morning.
10. Enhances Oxygen Utilization During Exercise
When you’re running, cycling, or working out, nasal breathing helps your body make the most of the oxygen you take in. It reduces the amount of oxygen you exhale, meaning more is sent to your working muscles. This makes physical activities feel smoother, letting you go further without feeling winded.
How Does a Deviated Septum Negatively Affect Nose Breathing?
The septum, which separates the nostrils, should ideally sit in the center, but when it’s off-center or crooked, it can disrupt airflow and all the essential functions of nasal breathing. We’ve already touched on how critical nasal breathing is for things like relaxation, cognitive function, and oxygen intake. So, when that delicate balance is thrown off, it’s no wonder it starts to chip away at your well-being.
With a deviated septum, one nasal passage often becomes smaller, which restricts airflow and forces you into mouth breathing. And here’s the thing: mouth breathing bypasses your nose’s natural ability to filter, humidify, and warm the air. This can make you more susceptible to respiratory issues and infections. Plus, conditions like colds, allergies, or sinus infections only make it worse. That slight inflammation can further restrict airflow, making nasal breathing feel impossible.
In short, a deviated septum is more than just an annoyance—it can negatively affect your health by interfering with your ability to breathe efficiently. Luckily, there’s a solution—septorhinoplasty.
How Septoplasty Can Improve Your Nose Breathing
When nasal breathing is compromised, surgical intervention—specifically septoplasty—can be the game-changer that restores your breathing. Unlike rhinoplasty, which is cosmetic, septoplasty focuses on correcting the inner structure of your nose to improve airflow. During the procedure, the surgeon straightens the septum by removing or repositioning parts of bone and cartilage, allowing air to pass freely through both nasal passages.
This surgery doesn’t just fix breathing—it has ripple effects on your overall well-being. By opening up the nasal airways, septoplasty can reduce congestion, improve sinus drainage, and even lessen symptoms of snoring or sleep apnea. Once the nose is functioning properly again, you’ll also find that it’s easier to filter and humidify the air, which leads to a lower risk of infections and respiratory problems.
Breathing Easy Again
Fixing a deviated septum can drastically improve your quality of life. Many patients also see improvements in their sleep quality, with reduced snoring and fewer symptoms of sleep apnea. All of this adds up to better physical and mental well-being. Whether it’s the ability to breathe deeply during exercise, enjoy restful sleep, or simply feel more energized throughout the day, septoplasty offers far-reaching benefits.
If you’ve been struggling with nasal obstruction or frequent sinus infections, now might be the time to consider taking action. Dr. Richard Rival and his team are dedicated to helping patients reclaim their health through proper nasal function. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward better breathing.