J Rhinol.  2012 May;19(1):55-59.

Impact of Open-Mouth Breathing on Upper Airway Anatomy in Patients with Sleep-Disordered Breathing

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, Korea University, Ansan Hospital, Ansan, Korea. shleeent@korea.ac.kr

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of open-mouth breathing on the upper airway anatomy of patients with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) based on polysomnography.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of 114 subjects (101 males and 13 females) with a mean age of 42.7 years and a mean body mass index (kg/m2) of 26.2 were enrolled in this study. All subjects were divided into four groups (simple snoring, mild obstructive sleep apnea syndrome[OSAS], moderate OSAS and severeOSAS) according to the apnea-hypopnea index. Lateral cephalometric radiograms (retropalatal, retroglossal, and hypopharyngeal distance, and pharyngeal length) were taken with the mouth closed and open.
RESULTS
The lateral cephalometric variables were compared between the mouth closed and open positions, and it was found that the retropalatal and retroglossal distances and pharyngeal length were significantly changed in all groups. However, the hypopharyngeal distance did not change significantly in any of the groups.
CONCLUSION
Open-mouth breathing significantly reduces the retropalatal and retroglossal distance and lengthens the pharynx in patients with SDB. Since these anatomical changes may worsen SDB or decrease positive airway pressure treatment compliance, ENT doctors should attempt to convert SDB patients from open-mouth breathing to nasal breathing.

Keyword

Snoring; Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome; Mouth Breathing; Cephalometry; Pharynx

MeSH Terms

Body Mass Index
Cephalometry
Compliance
Humans
Male
Mouth
Mouth Breathing
Pharynx
Respiration
Sleep Apnea Syndromes
Sleep Apnea, Obstructive
Snoring
Full Text Links
  • JR
Actions
Cited
CITED
export Copy
Close
Share
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
Similar articles
Copyright © 2024 by Korean Association of Medical Journal Editors. All rights reserved.     E-mail: koreamed@kamje.or.kr