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Updated: Jul 5, 2026
08:05
Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma
Published on: May 14, 2012
Enforced mouth breathing decreases lung function in mild asthmatics
Mervat Hallani1, John R Wheatley, Terence C Amis
1Ludwig Engel Centre for Respiratory Research, Westmead Millennium Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. mervat@swiftdsl.com.au
Respirology (Carlton, Vic.)
|May 23, 2008
Summary
Enforced oral breathing significantly reduced lung function in mild asthmatic subjects at rest. This breathing pattern may contribute to asthma exacerbations and symptoms like coughing and wheezing.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Physiology
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Asthma Pathogenesis
Background:
- Nasal breathing is known to protect against exercise-induced asthma.
- The impact of enforced oral breathing on resting lung function in asthmatics was previously unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of enforced oral breathing on lung function in resting mild asthmatic subjects.
- To determine if oral breathing could precipitate asthma symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Eight mild asthmatic volunteers underwent 1-hour periods of either nasal-only or oral-only breathing on separate days.
- Lung function (FEV1) was measured via spirometry every 10 minutes.
- Breathing difficulty was assessed using the Borg scale.
Main Results:
- Oral breathing led to a significant decrease in FEV1 over 60 minutes compared to nasal breathing.
- Three subjects experienced coughing or wheezing during oral breathing, but none during nasal breathing.
- Subjects reported greater difficulty breathing in during the oral breathing period.
Conclusions:
- Enforced oral breathing reduces lung function in resting mild asthmatics.
- Oral breathing may contribute to the development of acute asthma exacerbations.
- This study highlights the importance of nasal breathing for maintaining lung function in asthma.
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