February is Heart Health Month, a reminder to take care of the body’s most vital systems. While heart health often focuses on diet, exercise, and stress management, there’s one important factor that is frequently overlooked: nasal breathing.
Your nose does much more than help you smell. It’s designed to filter, warm, and humidify the air you breathe, helping to regulate airflow and oxygen levels. When nasal breathing is blocked or compromised, many people begin breathing through their mouth—often without realizing the long-term impact it can have on their health.
Nasal breathing supports cardiovascular health in several key ways:
Nasal breathing encourages slower, deeper breaths, which improves oxygen exchange in the lungs. Mouth breathing, especially when chronic, often leads to shallow breathing. Over time, this can reduce oxygen intake and put extra strain on the cardiovascular system.
Nasal breathing stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system—the “rest and digest” response—helping the body relax. Mouth breathing is associated with a more activated stress response, which can contribute to higher blood pressure and increased heart rate over time.
Nasal obstruction can cause snoring and sleep apnea, conditions that are strongly linked to heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. When your airway is blocked, your body experiences repeated episodes of reduced oxygen during sleep, placing added stress on your heart.
Mouth breathing can start as a temporary response to congestion or allergies. But when it becomes a long-term habit, it can lead to:
For Atlanta residents dealing with allergies, sinus congestion, or structural nasal issues, chronic mouth breathing is a common concern. Addressing the underlying cause can significantly improve overall health—not just breathing.
Nasal obstruction can be caused by:
Atlanta’s pollen seasons and fluctuating weather can contribute to persistent nasal congestion, making it harder for many people to breathe through their nose consistently.
Treating nasal obstruction is not just about comfort—it’s about improving your body’s ability to breathe efficiently and support overall wellness. ENT specialists can evaluate the cause of nasal blockage and recommend appropriate treatments, which may include:
Addressing nasal obstruction early can improve sleep quality, reduce snoring, and support better oxygenation—all of which benefit heart health.
If you’re experiencing chronic nasal congestion, frequent mouth breathing, snoring, or poor sleep, it may be time to schedule an evaluation with an ENT specialist. The team at Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates can help identify the cause and recommend the best treatment plan for your needs.
