Are you an athlete? Whether you are a serious competitor or simply like to stay in shape, your performance is no doubt important to you. That is why you train regularly, pay attention to nutrition, and do your best to get enough rest. But do you also pay attention to your sinus health? Yes, nasal obstruction has the potential to seriously impact your athletic performance. How can it do so? This blog post explains what you need to know.
Nasal Obstruction and Your Performance
Did you know that nasal breathing is superior to mouth breathing? Yes, when you breathe through your nose, it instigates the production of nitric oxide, a molecule that helps to improve gas exchange throughout the body. In other words, your body absorbs more oxygen during nasal breathing than during mouth breathing. Nasal breathing also filters dust out of air, humidifies it, and helps regulate your nervous system.
In contrast, nasal obstruction forces more mouth breathing, which reduces oxygen intake and lowers your body’s overall efficiency. Athletes who do not breathe well through their nose may notice several symptoms, including:
- Increased muscle fatigue
- Decreased endurance
- Slower recovery after exercise
- Higher risk of injury (due to fatigue and slowed reaction times)
- Poor sleep quality that impacts workout performance
What Can You Do?
While temporary nasal obstruction due to allergies or a cold is probably nothing to worry about, chronic obstruction is a bigger deal. Not only can it hinder your athletic performance, but it can also affect your long-term health.
If you deal with chronic nasal obstruction, talk to an ENT doctor. They can identify the cause of the issue and recommend your next steps. You might need a minor surgical procedure. For example, an in-office treatment called balloon sinus dilation can help to address chronic sinus inflammation. If you have a deviated septum, you might need septoplasty to straighten it. There are also procedures to help with nasal polyps and other causes of chronic obstruction.
Of course, you may also need to modify your training routine for best results. If you have severe seasonal allergies, you may need to use medication or do more indoor training. If you have a cold, do not push through it. Instead, make sure to get enough rest so your body can recover. Also, be sure to protect your nose against injury by wearing gear appropriate for your sport and taking precautions against falling.
Nasal obstruction can interfere with your athletic performance! Make necessary changes so you can breathe better and achieve your potential.
Meet Dr. Wiesman
Dr. Gary Wiesman is an ENT specialist and board-certified facial plastic surgeon. He offers a number of procedures that can help with chronic nasal obstruction, including balloon sinus dilation, septoplasty, and more. To learn more or to request a consultation, contact our office in Chicago at 312-796-5550.
