Find Senior Care (City or Zip)
Join Now Log In
A
alicez Asked June 2015

My otherwise healthy Mother (93) has started breathing through her mouth. Is she losing the capacity to breath?

She does this even if she's just sitting and reading. There is no gurgle, but it is very noticeable. Sometimes it's more noticeable than other times. She takes meds every other day for vertigo. She is mentally sharp. Because she suffers from hearing loss, she does not hear herself breathing this way. Can anything be done?

GardenArtist Jun 2015
First thought would be sinus or nasal congestion. Also, does she eat high sugar foods? Are the room she's in dry and in need of humidity? Either of those could cause nasal congestion - they certainly do for me.

Check the side effects of the anti-vertigo meds; there might be some "critical mass" level as which use of them can cause nasal dryness or congestion.

My concern about mouth breathing would be that the amount of air intake isn't as great as it would be through nasal breathing. If you know how to breathe as a singer does, try that through the mouth and you'll find it's pretty limiting.

MaggieMarshall Jun 2015
There's nothing particularly wrong about mouth breathing. Why does it concern you so? Could be a cold...sinusitis...habit...stuffy nose. It would have a tendency to make her mouth very dry, but beyond that, I doubt I'd pay any attention to that at all.

ADVERTISEMENT


Sunnygirl1 Jun 2015
Does she appear to be uncomfortable or in pain?

Do you know what her wishes are for her medical care at this time? You say she is mentally sharp. Does she want to see her doctor?

It could be a sinus infection, cold, etc. You might discuss it with her doctor if you have Healthcare POA.

ADVERTISEMENT

Ask a Question

Subscribe to
Our Newsletter