Q: How do allergies and congestion affect breathing?
A: Allergies and sinus congestion block the nasal passages, making it harder to breathe through the nose. This often forces mouth breathing, which bypasses the nose’s natural filtering and humidifying functions. Over time, this can lead to dry mouth, airway strain, and poor sleep quality.
Q: Why does nasal breathing matter for sleep?
A: Nasal breathing:
- Filters allergens, dust, and bacteria
- Warms and humidifies air for lung health
- Promotes nitric oxide release, improving oxygen circulation
- Supports proper tongue posture (on the palate)
- Reduces risk of snoring and sleep-disordered breathing
When congestion blocks the nose, sleep quality drops and the risk of snoring, restless sleep, and obstructive sleep apnea increases.
Q: What are the signs that allergies or congestion are affecting sleep?
A: Watch for:
- Snoring or noisy breathing at night
- Restless sleep, frequent waking, or night sweats
- Mouth breathing during the day or night
- Dark circles under the eyes (“allergic shiners”)
- Chronic cough, throat clearing, or morning sore throat
- Daytime fatigue, poor focus, or irritability
Q: Can sinus issues affect children differently from adults?
A: Yes:
- Children may show growth and orthodontic concerns (narrow palate, crowding), hyperactivity, or learning difficulties linked to poor sleep.
- Adults may notice morning headaches, TMJ head pain, clenching, or worsening of existing sleep apnea.
Q: How does BreatheWorks help patients with allergy-related breathing issues?
A: We provide therapy that supports better breathing and sleep:
- Myofunctional therapy to retrain oral posture and encourage nasal breathing
- Airway muscle exercises to reduce snoring and airway collapse
- Breathing drills to improve nasal breathing efficiency
- Swallow retraining to address tongue thrust or low tongue posture
- Parent and patient coaching for healthy nasal hygiene routines (saline rinses, humidification, allergy-friendly bedtime strategies)
We often collaborate with ENTs, allergists, pediatricians, and dentists/orthodontists for a team-based approach.
Q: Can therapy fix allergies?
A: Therapy doesn’t cure allergies, but it helps patients:
- Compensate when congestion limits nasal airflow
- Build stronger airway muscles
- Restore healthy oral posture
- Reduce the impact of mouth breathing on sleep, swallowing, and facial growth
Q: Can this therapy be done virtually?
A: Yes. BreatheWorks offers telehealth sessions with the same effectiveness as in-person care. Families and adults can access:
- Virtual evaluations
- Live breathing and posture coaching
- Ongoing progress tracking and home support
This makes care accessible nationwide, not just near our clinics.
Q: Where do you provide in-person care?
A: Our clinics are located in:
- Portland, Oregon
- Eugene, Oregon
- Lake Oswego, Oregon
- Bellevue, Washington
- Amarillo, Texas
We also provide virtual therapy nationwide.
Quick FAQs
Can allergies cause sleep apnea?
Yes—nasal obstruction from allergies can worsen airway collapse and contribute to sleep apnea therapy.
Does mouth breathing affect orthodontics?
Yes—chronic mouth breathing may cause dental crowding and orthodontic relapse.
Can sinus issues cause fatigue?
Yes—poor oxygenation and disrupted sleep can lead to daytime fatigue.
What helps kids with allergy-related sleep problems?
Therapy supports nasal breathing habits; ENTs/allergists may also recommend medical treatment.
Next Steps
If allergies or sinus issues are affecting your sleep, breathing, or your child’s growth and focus, therapy can help.
- Schedule a breathing & airway evaluation (in-person or virtual)
- Providers: Refer a patient to BreatheWorks
