It is often audible, faster than normal, punctuated by sighs, and can involve visible movements of the upper chest. Some people breathe through their mouths almost exclusively, while others may have a medical condition (like sleep apnea) where they breathe through their mouths mostly at night. Occasional mouth breathing can be due to a temporary illness like a cold or other illness that has blocked the nasal passages. In this case, people usually have a runny or stuffy nose as well, and it’s usually not a cause for concern. However, chronic mouth breathing can have serious implications—including the adverse effects of stress—on an individual’s lifelong health. The condition can also become chronic and may be a signal that a person needs medical intervention.
