Breathing through your mouth can reduce one's life by a decade

Lying in bed last night I became aware of my breathing.
40 plus years ago, after one of the regular bashings I received my nose was broken.
I remember the doctor talking about requiring a Septoplasty operation, a procedure to straighten the septum (the cartilage and bone inside your nose that separates your nostrils)
I do know that I never had that operation for what ever reason.
Since having my nose broken I have always breathed through my mouth as using the nose requires me to actively think about breathing. For me breathing through my nose is not natural and requires far more effort than mouth breathing.

Mouth Breathing negative aspects;
Results in less pressure in the airway, leading to less efficient oxygen/CO2 exchange
Increases snoring and sleep apnea
Lowers heart rate variability
Reduces sleep quality
Reduces the release of vasopressin, a hormone which eventually impacts kidney function
and the body’s water balance
Increases the likelihood of periodontal disease (tooth decay) as it significantly changes the mouth’s pH
Bypasses a key function of nasal tissue, namely to regulate blood flow ad brain function

The above issues when taken as a whole can reduce life expectancy by up to a decade.

Oh great, as if there is not enough to worry about getting through life.
Now I am being told if I want to live longer I need to Shut My Mouth

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Mouths are for breathing, noses are for sniffing, stop listening to these so called experts Bret.

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Bret, how many times when growing up did you hear “Stress is a Killer”?

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Breathing through the mouth doesn’t seem to have shortened my life by that much. I was asthmatic until …maybe 18. Not possible to get enough air through the nose. Struggled quite a bit for breath through my mouth. Not chesty now but still breathe mostly through my mouth. I’m 80.

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Used to love this stuff back in the day!

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Better off applied to the nostrils than the mouth

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I used to have it rubbed on my chest too…

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Gaping holes in this sentence: when, can, by up to

I hear the ENT surgeons sharpening their knives.

Risks of septoplasty:

  • Infection

  • Bleeding

  • Changes in nasal shape

  • Decreased sense of smell

  • Perforation of the septum (hole in the septum)

  • Numbness in the nose or teeth (usually temporary)

  • Need for further surgery if the initial results are not satisfactory

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That’s not to be Sniffed At

General Anaesthetic Common Side Effects:

  • Nausea and vomiting: Many people experience these after anesthesia, but they usually subside quickly.

  • Sore throat: This can be caused by the breathing tube inserted during the procedure.

  • Drowsiness and confusion: These effects are usually temporary.

  • Shivering: This can occur as the body regulates temperature after anesthesia.

  • Soreness or bruising: At the injection site for the anesthesia or other medications.

More Serious, but Rare, Risks:

  • Allergic reaction (Anaphylaxis):

A severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction to the anesthetic drugs.

  • Nerve damage:

This can occur due to pressure on nerves during surgery, potentially causing pain, numbness, or weakness.

  • Breathing difficulties:

These can occur during or after the procedure, especially in patients with pre-existing conditions.

  • Damage to teeth, lips, or tongue:

This can happen when a breathing tube is inserted or removed.

  • Aspiration:

Accidental inhalation of stomach contents into the lungs can occur if the stomach is not empty before anesthesia.

  • Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD):

A condition that can affect memory and cognitive function, more common in older adults.

  • Malignant hyperthermia:

A rare, potentially fatal reaction to anesthesia that causes a rapid increase in body temperature and muscle contractions.

  • Awareness during anesthesia:

A rare occurrence where a patient becomes conscious during surgery.

Important Considerations:

  • Patient history:

It’s crucial to inform the anesthesiologist about any existing health conditions, allergies, or previous experiences with anesthesia.

  • Pre-operative instructions:

Following instructions regarding fasting and medication is vital to minimize risks.

  • Post-operative care:

Following instructions for pain management, breathing exercises, and other post-operative care can help with recovery.

  • Consult with a healthcare professional:

If you have concerns about anesthesia, discuss them with your doctor or anesthesiologist.

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I ain’t gonna have ennathink done on my nostrils. :slightly_smiling_face:

You ever been on Picket Duty?

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If you are talking about protesting, no, never been to a protest.
Military? No, never been in any armed forces.

Have you ever whistled Colonel Bogey?

I have a jar of that in my bathroom cabinet. :+1:

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I think with lots of people it’s what they say with their mouth has the potential to reduce their life by less than a decade.

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Lol that is HUGE in Miami as used for everything , during COVID most would dab it on their necks , the city smelled of it .

" Hisplaining: Latinos’ Love Affair with Vicks VaporRub’’

April 18, 2023

In this month’s column, Laura Martinez hisplains why Latinos entrust their health and wellness to Vicks VapoRub, colita de rana, and—at some point—the doctor. This article is not sponsored by Vicks, but maybe it should be.

I’m currently in Mexico tending to a family medical emergency, so health is on my mind. I’ve been thinking a lot about how my people, both Mexicans and Latinos, heal their maladies.

Take Vicks VapoRub, for example. Better known as El VaporĂş, El BibaporrĂş,or El Vicks, the American-made menthol ointment is a miracle cure-all for Latinos healing everything from everyday issues like muscle pain, common colds, and sore throats, to more serious diseases such as arthritis and COVID-19.

If a member of your family never prescribed slabs of Vicks VapoRub as a cure for something (anything) you would be well advised to take a DNA test to [make sure you’re actually Latino]

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I had no idea it had such a cult following!
Vicks was just something that would be administered as a kid when feeling poorly. If I was lucky I’d get a glass of lucozade too :smiley:

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