Symptom 6: Mouth Breathing
Infants with choanal atresia often resort to mouth breathing, an adaptation born out of the sheer necessity to maintain sufficient oxygen levels. While adults may switch between nasal and oral breathing without significant issue, for infants, who are obligate nasal breathers, this shift is a stark indication of an underlying problem. Mouth breathing bypasses the natural humidifying, warming, and filtering processes of the nasal passages, leading to a host of potential issues. Infants may experience dryness in the oral cavity and airways, increasing the risk of irritation and infection.
Mouth breathing affects more than just the respiratory system; it also significantly impacts an infant’s ability to feed effectively and sleep restfully. During feeding, an infant who breathes through the mouth may struggle with coordinating sucking and swallowing. Sleep, too, can be disrupted by the need to breathe through the mouth, as the natural, rhythmic breathing patterns are disturbed, potentially leading to sleep apnea and restlessness. These disruptions can have a cascading effect on an infant’s growth and development due to interrupted sleep and inadequate nutrition.
Over time, mouth breathing can lead to developmental concerns beyond the immediate respiratory complications. The constant flow of air through the mouth can alter the normal facial growth patterns and dental arches, potentially resulting in orthodontic issues or altered speech development. These long-term effects underscore the importance of early detection and correction of the nasal obstruction.
The repercussions of mouth breathing extend into social and emotional development as well. Infants who struggle with this symptom may become irritable due to discomfort and lack of sleep, which can affect bonding and interactions with caregivers. Additionally, the visible sign of an infant breathing with an open mouth can cause concern and stress for parents, affecting the emotional climate of the home.
Mouth breathing in the context of choanal atresia is a clear signal that a prompt medical evaluation is necessary. While it is an adaptive response to a blocked nasal passage, it is not a sustainable or benign condition. Correcting the obstruction can allow the infant to return to more natural and healthy nasal breathing, reducing the risk of the associated complications outlined above. (6)
