Nose/Mouth Distribution of Respiratory Airflow in ‘Mouth Breathing’ Children

Authors:
  • MOMotofumi Ohki
    Motofumi Ohki
  • VFVito Forte
    Vito Forte
  • JFJohn Fraschetti
    John Fraschetti
  • PCPhilip Cole
    Philip Cole
Publisher website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Oro-nasal distribution of respiratory airflow was determined in 120 'mouth breathing' children by a minimally invasive computer-assisted method that employed a modified CPAP nasal mask/pneumotach and a head-out body plethysmograph. Resulting measurements were reproducible but clinical assessments correlated poorly with these values. Airflow distribution was almost identical in inspiration and expiration. 100% nasal breathing was found over a wide range of nasal resistances, many subjects with lips apart. Overall, the nasal fraction was negatively correlated with resistance and it was increased by topical decongestant. Decreasing nasal resistance with increasing age was confirmed, but corresponding changes in airflow distribution were not demonstrated. Quantitative assessment is advocated in clinical management of 'mouth breathers'.

This publication has 16 references indexed in Scilit: