Mouth breathing

Description

Breathing through mouth. Nasal obstruction may also necessitate mouth breathing, which itself can precipitate obstructive apnoea. Breathing through the mouth may also increase risk for OSA [obstructive sleep apnoea] by its effect on the tongue. The tongue forms the anterior wall of the oropharynx; both the supine posture and opening of the mouth tend to displace it posteriorly and encourage airway closure.

Excludes

• DA02.1 – Dry mouth

Exclusions from above levels

• CB00 – Adult acute respiratory distress syndrome
• KB23 – Respiratory distress of newborn
• KB2D – Respiratory failure of newborn