Combat Dysfunctional Breathing from Allergies: The Benefits of PAT & Myofunctional Therapy

In this episode of the Natural Allergy Treatment Podcast, Jess speaks with Janna Kremez, from Functional Well-Being, an Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist and breathing educator. They discuss dysfunctional breathing from allergies and the comprehensive approach that combines Positive Association Technique (PAT) and Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) to restore a healthy breathing pattern.

Breathing is an essential function of the human body, crucial for our health and well-being. However, many people experience dysfunctional breathing patterns, often as a result of allergies and environmental sensitivities.

Dysfunctional breathing from allergies can manifest in various ways, from chronic sinus congestion to more severe conditions like asthma and sleep apnea. While addressing dysfunctional breathing and allergies with traditional treatments can offer temporary relief, a more holistic, integrated approach can provide many long-term benefits.

What is Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT)?

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) focuses on correcting dysfunctional patterns of muscle use in the head, neck, and mouth, specifically related to breathing, swallowing, and speaking. In simple terms, it’s like physiotherapy, but for the muscles of the face and mouth. The goal of OMT is to restore normal function and muscle coordination, helping patients breathe, speak, and swallow correctly.

An orofacial myofunctional therapist identifies muscle imbalances and dysfunctional habits that may be contributing to breathing issues. These could include improper tongue posture, mouth breathing, or incorrect swallowing patterns. The therapist then prescribes a series of exercises tailored to address these issues, gradually building muscle strength and improving function.

Janna Kremez, a highly experienced orofacial myofunctional therapist, explains, “Many individuals with allergies do not realise how these breathing patterns can cause long-term problems, especially when it comes to sleep and overall health. By focusing on restoring nasal breathing and proper tongue posture, we can make a huge difference in how the body responds to allergens and how it recovers from breathing difficulties.”

For example, proper nasal breathing is one of the key goals in OMT. Nasal breathing helps filter, humidify, and warm the air before it enters the lungs, offering protection against environmental allergens. Proper tongue posture—where the tongue rests against the roof of the mouth—can help with jaw development, improve airway function, and support good breathing habits.

How Allergies Lead to Dysfunctional Breathing Patterns

Many individuals with allergies—especially those sensitive to airborne allergens like dust, mould, or pollen—develop dysfunctional breathing patterns as their bodies attempt to manage constant congestion.

When a person has allergic rhinitis or a persistent runny nose, their first instinct might be to excessively blow their nose or sniff up the excess mucus. However, both behaviours can exacerbate breathing issues.

Janna shares, “Sniffing, in particular, is often an unconscious response to nasal congestion. But what people don’t realize is that sniffing can create more problems. It narrows the nasal passages further, making it harder to breathe through the nose, which can ultimately lead to more mouth breathing.”

When someone breathes through their mouth, they are often not utilizing their diaphragm properly. In normal breathing, the diaphragm should move down during inhalation and up during exhalation. However, when someone sniffs, the diaphragm moves upward during inhalation, disrupting the natural rhythm of breathing.

This abnormal breathing pattern is known as a “paradoxical breathing pattern,” and it can lead to poor oxygen exchange and other health complications.

The Cycle of Dysfunctional Breathing from Allergies

Dysfunctional breathing from allergies can have wide-ranging effects on both short and long-term health. For example, when someone habitually breathes through their mouth, they may experience dry mouth, bad breath, and a decreased ability to filter allergens. This, in turn, can lead to more frequent respiratory infections, coughing, and worsening allergy symptoms.

Janna emphasizes, “When people are constantly mouth breathing, they’re bypassing the natural filtration process of the nose. This increases the likelihood of allergens entering the body, which only worsens the allergic response and symptoms like congestion, sneezing, and coughing.”

People who rely on mouth breathing are also more prone to sleep disturbances. The inability to breathe properly through the nose at night can result in snoring, disrupted sleep, and even sleep apnea. Over time, these issues can lead to daytime fatigue, poor concentration, and a general decrease in quality of life.

Additionally, when nasal breathing is impaired, oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the body can become imbalanced, affecting both physical and cognitive function.

Janna adds, “It’s especially difficult for children, who can become irritable and hyperactive when they don’t get restful sleep. If their breathing patterns aren’t corrected, they may face ongoing issues with attention and focus in school, not to mention a greater risk of developing sleep apnea.”

The Importance of Correct Breathing in Sleep and Daily Life

Sleep plays a crucial role in the body’s immune system and overall health. For individuals who suffer from allergies, symptoms like a stuffy nose, sneezing, and coughing can prevent restful sleep. This can create a vicious cycle: allergies interfere with sleep, and poor sleep exacerbates the body’s allergic response.

As Janna points out, “Many individuals with allergies, especially those who suffer from dust mite sensitivities, notice that their worst symptoms often occur in the morning after waking up. This is because they’ve been exposed to allergens while lying in bed all night. If they’re mouth breathing instead of nasal breathing, the exposure is even worse, and the allergic response is amplified.”

The lack of restful sleep can have wide-reaching consequences, particularly for children. Young people who are not getting quality sleep may become irritable, hyperactive, or have difficulty concentrating at school. In more severe cases, chronic sleep disturbances can contribute to the development of conditions like sleep apnea or exacerbate existing respiratory problems.

Why a Combined Approach Works Best; PAT & Myofunctional Therapy

The combined approach of Positive Association Technique (PAT) and Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) can offer significant benefits for individuals struggling with dysfunctional breathing from allergies.

PAT focuses on reducing the body’s response to environmental triggers, while OMT works to correct the underlying breathing and muscle dysfunctions that often accompany these allergies.

Janna explains, “PAT is a powerful tool in helping individuals recalibrate their responses to triggers. When combined with myofunctional therapy, which works to correct the breathing patterns and strengthen the muscles involved in airway function, we create a truly comprehensive approach that targets both the symptoms and the breathing dysfunction.”

PAT helps the body recalibrate its response to airborne triggers. For example, if a person has developed a sensitivity to pollen, PAT helps retrain the body to respond less dramatically to exposure. When combined with OMT, which addresses dysfunctional breathing patterns, individuals are more likely to experience lasting relief from their symptoms.

By restoring proper nasal breathing and improving overall oral function, we are also better equipped to manage environmental allergens and prevent the onset of more chronic issues, like asthma or sleep apnea.

Mouth Taping: A Quick Fix or Long-Term Solution?

Mouth taping has recently gained popularity as a potential solution for mouth breathing, especially during sleep. The idea is simple: by taping the mouth shut at night, individuals can encourage nasal breathing, which is healthier and more effective for filtering allergens.

While some people find relief through mouth taping, Janna Kremez cautions that it should not be relied on as a standalone treatment. It needs to be used with caution, and it is very case specific as to whether it’s a suitable strategy for the individual.

“Mouth taping can help, but it’s important to understand that it’s not a fix-all solution,” says Janna. “If the underlying muscle imbalances or dysfunctional breathing patterns aren’t addressed, the benefits of mouth taping will be limited. It’s best to use mouth taping in conjunction with myofunctional therapy, which can restore proper tongue posture and encourage natural nasal breathing.”

As Janna points out, “Mouth taping alone won’t solve the problem of nasal obstruction, which may need to be evaluated by an ENT or surgeon, or poor tongue posture. We need to address the root cause through therapy so that patients can maintain healthy breathing patterns long term.”

Combat Dysfunctional Breathing from Allergies

While mouth taping and other self-care strategies can offer some relief, professional intervention is often necessary to fully address dysfunctional breathing from allergies.

Fortunately, a combined approach using Positive Association Technique (PAT) and Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) offers a comprehensive solution for dysfunctional breathing from allergies. By addressing the response to airborne triggers as well as the underlying breathing dysfunction, individuals can achieve long-lasting relief and improve their quality of life.

Janna is trained to assess and address these issues through customised exercise programs and other therapies. Working with a professional ensures that patients receive the right support to restore proper breathing habits and improve their overall health.

Therapy sessions with Janna typically involves learning and practicing specific exercises designed to strengthen the muscles involved in breathing, swallowing, and speaking. These exercises are tailored to the individual’s needs and progress over time, helping to retrain the body for more efficient and effective breathing.

Additionally, tools like capnography can be used to monitor breathing patterns and provide biofeedback, helping patients understand the effects of their breathing habits and make adjustments as needed.

Next Steps

At Health & Wellness Australia & Auckland (HWA), our Naturopaths use a technique called muscle testing (or kinesiology) to help pinpoint any reactions to a range food and environmental substances, which may be contributing dysfunctional breathing from allergies.

Following testing, you work with your Naturopath to address reactions to these food and airborne triggers, using a acupressure based natural allergy treatment called Positive Association Technique (PAT).

Get in touch

• Request a Free PAT Information E-PACK HERE

• Call us on 1300 853 023 (Aus) / 09 479 5997 (NZ) to chat to our friendly staff

• Send us your question HERE

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Please note that this blog post contains general information only. Always consult your health care professional before changing your diet and lifestyle, or regarding any medical condition.