Spring Allergies and Mouth Breathing: What You Need to Know

As spring blooms across Orange County and beyond, so do seasonal allergies. While most people expect congestion and sneezing, fewer realize that allergies often lead to mouth breathing. For children and adults alike, this shift in breathing can quietly affect overall health and well-being.

How allergies lead to mouth breathing

When the nose is congested due to allergens like pollen, grass, or dust, it becomes harder to breathe comfortably through the nose. The body naturally compensates by opening the mouth, especially during sleep or exercise. Although this may help temporarily, it can turn into a long-term habit if it continues beyond allergy season.

Mouth breathing bypasses the nasal passages, which are designed to filter, warm, and humidify the air we breathe. Over time, this change in breathing can contribute to:

• Dry mouth and irritated throat

• Poor-quality sleep or snoring

• Fatigue and difficulty focusing

• Altered jaw and facial development in growing children

• Forward head posture and muscle strain

Why it matters for kids and adults

For school-aged children, chronic mouth breathing can interfere with sleep and focus during the day. Parents might notice their child waking up tired, snoring, breathing with an open mouth, or struggling with behavior and attention at school.

Adults may notice waking with a dry mouth, feeling unrested even after a full night's sleep, or dealing with lingering jaw tension and fatigue. If these symptoms tend to worsen during allergy season, mouth breathing may be playing a role.

How myofunctional therapy can help

Myofunctional therapy helps retrain the muscles of the face, tongue, and airway to support healthy breathing, chewing, and swallowing. Therapy is helpful for both children and adults who want to shift back to nasal breathing, even during allergy season.

Through guided exercises and breathing techniques, therapy works to improve:

• Tongue posture

• Lip seal

• Nasal breathing habits

• Muscle strength and coordination

Rather than just treating symptoms, therapy addresses the root of the issue. When paired with allergy management tools like nasal rinses or air purifiers, it can make a meaningful difference.

What to do next

If you have noticed increased mouth breathing in yourself or your child this spring, it is worth paying attention. Even temporary breathing changes can lead to lasting habits if not addressed.

A myofunctional evaluation can help identify whether therapy might be helpful and give you a plan to move forward. You do not have to wait for symptoms to worsen before taking action. The earlier you step in, the easier it is to make lasting improvements.