Change in the nose areas in children with mouth breathing after nasal cleansing and massage

ABSTRACT

The evaluation and quantification of possible changes in the nasal cavity can assist in the diagnostics and treatment in children who breathe predominantly through the mouth. The oral breathing mode can initiate speech disorders, facial deformities, poor positioning of the teeth, improper body posture, and changes in the respiratory system.

Purpose  To analyze the changes occurred in the nasal cavity geometry, before and after nasal cleansing, through nasal aeration and acoustic rhinometry in children with oral breathing.

Methods  Twenty children aged four to 12 years were included in the study. The gathering of participants was conducted at the Multifunctional Laboratory of the Speech Pathology Department of the Federal University of Pernambuco - UFPE. The following procedures were conducted: Identification Index of Signs and Symptoms of Oral Breathing; marking of nasal expiratory airflow using the graded mirror of Altmann, and examination of the Nasal Geometry by Acoustic Rhinometry. The same procedures were performed after nasal massage and cleansing with saline solution.

Results  Significant change was observed in the areas with respect to the nasal airflow on both sides after nasal cleansing and massage. As for nasal geometry, measured by acoustic rhinometry, comparison between the nostrils showed that the effect of cleansing and massage was discrete.

Conclusion  Nasal aeration measures showed sensitivity to the cleansing and massage technique and measures of nasal geometry confirmed its effect on respiratory physiology.

Keywords
Mouth Breathing; Nasal Cavity; Acoustic Rhinometry