Frequent Coughs & Colds
Sleep dysfunctions in children especially those that relate to Mouth breathing and an open-mouth sleep posture in infants and children. An ‘Open Mouth’ Sleep Posture’ is common and is said to exist in as many as 80% of all infants. When accompanied with other Sleep Dysfunctions can contribute to frequent coughs and colds for several reasons:
- Drying of Airway Mucosal Tissues
- Nasal Congestion and Sinus Infections
- Impaired Oxygen Exchange and Sleep Quality
- Changes in Oral and Throat Microbiome
- Exposure to Environmental Allergens
Addressing and recognizing sleep dysfunctions through Sleep Process testing can often identify causes for these frequent conditions in infants & Children. Once dysfunctions are recognized, addressing mouth breathing in infants and children can be identified as causative agents that leads to conditions such as allergies, (adenoids, or sinus issues) and can help reduce the frequency of these respiratory problems.
Sleep dysfunctions in children especially those that relate to Mouth breathing and an open-mouth sleep posture in infants and children. An ‘Open Mouth’ Sleep Posture’ is common and is said to exist in as many as 80% of all infants. When accompanied with other Sleep Dysfunctions can contribute to frequent coughs and colds for several reasons:
1. Drying of Airway Mucosal Tissue
- Reduced Moisture: Breathing through the mouth bypasses the nasal passages, which naturally humidify and filter the air. This leads to dryness in the mouth, throat, and respiratory tract. The dry airway lining can become more susceptible to irritation and infection.
- Weaker Defense Against Pathogens: The nose filters out bacteria, viruses, and allergens, but mouth breathing allows these pathogens to enter the lungs and respiratory system more easily, increasing the likelihood of infections like colds and coughs.
2. Nasal Congestion and Sinus Infections
- Chronic Mouth Breathing: Often, mouth breathing occurs due to nasal congestion from allergies, sinus infections, or enlarged adenoids. The blocked nasal passages can lead to poor drainage of mucus, contributing to sinus infections, which are closely related to cold-like symptoms such as coughs.
- Recurrent Upper Respiratory Infections: Constant nasal congestion can weaken the body’s ability to fight off respiratory infections, leading to frequent colds and a persistent cough.
3. Impaired Oxygen Exchange and Sleep Quality
- Reduced Oxygen Flow: Mouth breathing is less efficient for oxygen exchange compared to nasal breathing, which can affect sleep quality. Poor-quality sleep can weaken the immune system, making a child more prone to infections like colds.
- Sleep Apnea in Children: Chronic mouth breathing can also contribute to pediatric sleep apnea, which is linked to a range of health problems, including frequent respiratory illnesses.
4. Changes in Oral and Throat Microbiome
- Altered Bacterial Balance: Mouth breathing can cause shifts in the oral microbiome, increasing the presence of harmful bacteria in the mouth and throat. These bacteria can travel to the lungs or sinuses, causing infections that lead to coughs and cold-like symptoms.
5. Exposure to Environmental Allergens
- Allergen Sensitivity: Open-mouth posture during sleep may increase exposure to environmental allergens, such as dust or pet dander, leading to allergic reactions that present as chronic coughing and cold-like symptoms.
Addressing and recognizing sleep dysfunctions through Sleep Process testing can often identify causes for these frequent conditions in infants & Children. Once dysfunctions are recognized, addressing mouth breathing in infants and children can be identified as causative agents that leads to conditions such as allergies, (adenoids, or sinus issues) and can help reduce the frequency of these respiratory problems.