title: [Physiopathology of mouth breathing. Snoring and apnea].
abstract: Oral breathing causes changes in pulmonary mechanics as well as in the pressure of arterial blood gases. In response to increased nasal obstruction oro-nasal breathing occurs. The level of oro-nasal partitioning maintains an adequate level of respiratory resistance. Sleep disordered breathing, although not only related to oral breathing, is a common disorder. When upper airway resistance is increased limitation of flow occurs. Snoring indicates a mild degree of reduced airflow. Sleep apnea occurs when upstream pressure falls below a critical pressure (Pcrit). The mechanisms are reviewed.
authors.affiliation: Centre Hospitalier de La Citadelle, Liège, Belgique.
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Goffart
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008170:Lung Compliance; D009058:Mouth Breathing / Q000503:physiopathology*; D015508:Nasal Obstruction / Q000503:physiopathology; D010614:Pharynx / Q000503:physiopathology; D012891:Sleep Apnea Syndromes / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012913:Snoring / Q000503:physiopathology*
vernacular_title: Physiopathologie de la respiration buccale. Ronflements et apnées.