Are computed tomography 3D measurements of the upper airways in mouth-breathing children in agreement with the ENT clinical diagnosis of obstruction?

INTRODUCTION: Imaging studies have hystorically been used to support the clinical otorhinolaryngological evaluation of the upper respiratory tract for the diagnosis of obstructive causes of oral breathing. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare 3D volumetric measurements of nasal cavity, nasopharynx and oropharynx of obstructed mouth-breathing children with measurements of non-obstructed mouth-breathing children. METHODS: This retrospective study included 25 mouth-breathing children aged 5-9 years evaluated by otorhinolaryngological clinical examination, flexible nasoendoscopy and full-head multi-slice computed tomography. Tomographic volumetric measurements and dichotomic otorhinolaryngological diagnosis (obstructed vs. non-obstructed) in three anatomical regions (the nasal cavity, nasopharynx and oropharynx) were compared and correlated. An independent sample t-test was used to assess the association between the 3D measurements of the upper airways and the otorhinolaryngological diagnosis of obstruction in the three anatomical regions. Inter- and intra-observer intraclass correlation coefficients were used to evaluate the reliability of the 3D measurements. RESULTS: The intra-class correlation coefficients ranged from 0.97 to 0.99. An association was found between turbinate hypertrophy and nasal cavity volume reduction (p<0.05) and between adenoid hyperplasia and nasopharynx volume reduction (p<0.001). No association was found between palatine tonsil hyperplasia and oropharynx volume reduction. CONCLUSIONS: (1) The nasal cavity volume was reduced when hypertrophic turbinates were diagnosed; (2) the nasopharynx was reduced when adenoid hyperplasia was diagnosed; and (3) the oropharynx volume of mouth-breathing children with tonsil hyperplasia was similar to that of non-obstructed mouth-breathing children. The adoption of the actual anatomy of the various compartments of the upper airway is an improvement to the evaluation method.

Avaliação do modo respiratório por meio da termografia: um estudo piloto / Breathing mode assessment with thermography: a pilot study

RESUMO Objetivo Apresentar um método de análise do modo respiratório por meio da termografia infravermelha. Método Estudo transversal exploratório de 38 imagens térmicas que representavam o momento da inspiração e da expiração durante a respiração nasal e durante a simulação da respiração oral de quatro voluntárias respiradoras nasais sem queixas respiratórias. Para a extração da temperatura das regiões de interesse (nariz e boca) foram utilizadas três formas de seleção distintas de dados (linha, retângulo e elipse) e três medidas de temperatura (mínima, média e máxima) por meio do software FLIR Tools®. Resultados Dentre as três formas de seleção houve maior variabilidade nas medidas obtidas pela linha, revelando limitações nessa medida. Não houve diferenças entre as medidas do retângulo e elipse, mostrando que ambas as formas de seleção apresentam resultados semelhantes para a extração das temperaturas. Na comparação entre as temperaturas do nariz e da boca na inspiração e expiração, os resultados indicaram que houve diferença com relevância estatística em todas as medidas realizadas, exceto para as medidas de temperatura média da inspiração, usando o retângulo e a elipse. Percebe-se diferenciação do modo respiratório tanto na inspiração quanto na expiração quando utilizada a temperatura média da boca com o retângulo e a elipse. Conclusão Sugere-se para avaliação do modo respiratório a avaliação da boca, por meio da elipse, com análise da temperatura média durante a inspiração.

ABSTRACT Purpose To present a method for analyzing breathing modes with infrared thermography. Methods This exploratory cross-sectional study used 38 thermal images of inspiration and expiration with nasal breathing and simulated mouth breathing in four nasal breathers without respiratory complaints. Three different data selection forms (line, rectangle, and ellipse) were used to extract the minimum, mean, and maximum temperatures of the regions of interest (nose and mouth) using the FLIR Tools® software. Results Among the three selection forms, there was greater temperature variability obtained with the line, revealing limitations in this measurement. There were no differences between the rectangle and ellipse values, showing that both selection forms present similar temperature extraction results. The comparison results between nose and mouth temperatures during inspiration and expiration indicated a statistically significant difference between all measurements, except for mean inspiration temperatures with the rectangle and ellipse. The breathing mode can be distinguished in both inspiration and expiration when using mean mouth temperatures with the rectangle and ellipse. Conclusion Breathing modes should be assessed based on mean mouth temperatures during inspiration, using the ellipse.

Associação entre posição de língua, lábios e respiração em recém-nascidos / Association between tongue, lips position and breathing in newborns

RESUMO Objetivo verificar a associação entre fluxo expiratório nasal e postura de lábios e língua no repouso, presença de movimentos repetidos de anteriorização de língua e queixa materna de dificuldade respiratória do recém-nascido nos primeiros dias de vida. Método estudo observacional, realizado com 130 recém-nascidos do alojamento conjunto de um hospital Universitário. Foram incluídos recém-nascidos a termo, com idade entre 1 e 5 dias de vida, APGAR maior ou igual a oito, em aleitamento materno exclusivo. Foram coletados os seguintes dados: posição de lábios e língua no repouso, fluxo expiratório nasal, presença de movimentos repetidos de anteriorização de língua e queixa materna de dificuldade do recém-nascido para respirar. Os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística, sendo aplicado o Teste Exato de Fisher e o Qui-Quadrado, adotando-se o nível de significância de 5%. Resultados Há uma associação significativa entre queixas maternas de dificuldade do recém-nascido para respirar pelo nariz com movimentos repetidos de anteriorização de língua e fluxo expiratório nasal; posição de língua com posição de lábios no repouso, movimentos repetidos de anteriorização de língua com fluxo expiratório nasal e posição de língua no repouso; fluxo expiratório nasal com posição de língua no repouso. Conclusão O fluxo expiratório nasal simétrico está associado com a posição de língua elevada e lábios fechados no REPOUSO; por outro lado, o fluxo expiratório nasal maior e/ou ausente em uma narina está associado com queixa materna de dificuldade do recém-nascido para respirar, posição de lábios abertos/entreabertos E posição de língua baixa no repouso, bem como, com movimentos repetidos de anteriorização de língua.

ABSTRACT Purpose To verify the association between breathing nasal expiratory flow and posture of lips and tongue at rest, presence of repeated forward movements of the tongue and maternal complaint of respiratory difficulty in the newborn in the first days of life. Method A observational study was carried out in 130 babies, in a university hospital. Included newborn with Apgar score greater than or equal to 8 in exclusive breast milk. It was the following data: position of lips and tongue at rest, nasal expiratory flow and maternal complaint of difficulty in breathing in the newborn. The data were subjected to statistical analysis using the tests, Fisher's exact test and the Chi-Square test, adopting a significance level of 5% . Results there was a significant association between maternal complaint of newborn difficulty breathing with repeated forward tongue movements and nasal expiratory flow; tongue position with resting lips position at rest, repeated tongue forward movements with nasal expiratory flow and tongue position at rest; nasal expiratory flow exit with tongue position at rest. Conclusion Symmetrical nasal expiratory flow is associated with an elevated tongue position and closed lips at rest; on the other hand, increased and/or absent nasal expiatory flow in one nostril is associated with maternal complaints of difficulty in breathing, open/ half-open lips position and low tongue position during rest, as well as, repeated forward tongue movements.

Relação entre as desordens temporomandibulares e a presença de distúrbios respiratórios crônicos: uma revisão sistemática da literatura / eraturaRelationship between temporomandibular disorders and the presence of chronic respiratory disorders: a systematic literature review

Introdução: As desordens temporomandibulares (DTM) são um grupo de patologias com implicação direta no entendimento das comorbidades que podem envolver o sistema estomatognático. Tal grupo patológico apresenta característica multifatorial e, por isso, tem sido observada sua possível relação com acometimentos sistêmicos, como problemas articulares, psicológicos e, mais especificamente, os distúrbios respiratórios crônicos (DRC). Objetivo: Conduzir uma revisão sistemática da literatura, utilizando ferramentas com validação metodológica, a fim de fornecer dados relevantes acerca da relação entre as DTM e os DRC. Metodologia: Foram pesquisadas as bases de dados MedLine/PubMed, Colaboração Cochrane, Plataforma Capes, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, Scopus, Web of Science e SciElo, cobrindo o período de 2000 a 2021 e utilizando a combinação dos descritores "temporomandibular disorders and breathing and pain and mouth breathing". Resultados: Após a busca, que culminou em 698 documentos encontrados, apenas 12 foram selecionados a partir dos critérios de elegibilidade predefinidos. No tocante à relação entre a presença de DTM e o diagnóstico de apneia obstrutiva do sono (AOS), foram encontrados 45 indivíduos com essa associação, reportados por dois estudos. É relatado, também, acometimento por infecções de vias áreas superiores associadas às DTM (7.012 indivíduos reportados), além de diagnóstico de respiração bucal em pacientes que apresentavam o diagnóstico de DTM (30 indivíduos reportados). Conclusão: A associação entre desordens do sono relacionadas à respiração, respiração bucal, AOS e dor relacionada à ATM foi fundamentada por alguns autores, destacando a influência desses parâmetros na qualidade de vida dos indivíduos. Observou-se, ainda, que esses acometimentos podem influenciar a postura do indivíduo, a qual está diretamente relacionada com a sintomatologia das DTM, principalmente pela ocorrência de anteriorização da cabeça.

Introduction: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a group of pathologies that directly affect the understanding of comorbidities that may appear in the stomatognathic system. This group of pathologies has a multifactorial characteristic and, therefore, it has been observed a possible relation with systemic disorders, such as joint and psychological problems and, more specifically, chronic respiratory disorders (CRD). Objective: To conduct a systematic review based on reliable scientific web tools, in order to provide relevant data on the relation between TMD and CRD. Methods: MedLine/PubMed, Collaboration Cochrane, Plataforma Capes, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, Scopus, Web of Science and SciElo were searched in order to retrieve scientific articles, covering the period from 2000 to 2021. It was used the following combination of the descriptors: "temporomandibular disorders and breathing and pain and mouth breathing". Results: After the search, which resulted in 698 documents found, 12 were selected based on the pre-defined eligibility criteria. Regarding the relationship between TMD and the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), there were found 45 individuals with this association, reported by two studies. It was also reported the involvement of upper airway infections in TMD (7,012 individuals reported). Furthermore, the search found patients diagnosed with TMD which were also diagnosed with mouth breathing (30 individuals reported). Conclusion: Some of the authors supported the combination between sleep disorders related to breathing, sleep quality and TMJ related pain, highlighting the influence of these parameters on quality of life. It was also observed that, even though the breathing pattern and its influences are a subject that is rarely mentioned in relation to TMD, this involvement can influence the individual's posture, which is directly related to the TMD symptomatology, mainly due to the occurrence of forward head posture.

Patência nasal em crianças respiradoras orais / Nasal patency in mouth breathing children

RESUMO Vários estudos mostram a importância da avaliação quantitativa na patência nasal e do estado funcional das vias aéreas superiores para fornecer informações clínicas e diagnósticas em indivíduos respiradores orais, as quais são de grande interesse para a fonoaudiologia. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da irrigação de solução salina nasal nas vias aéreas superiores através da aeração nasal e rinomanometria anterior ativa em crianças respiradoras orais. Estudo de série de oito casos, realizado em crianças com idades entre 7 e 10 anos, com diagnóstico clínico otorrinolaringológico de respiração oral. O estudo consistiu em três etapas: avaliação inicial; intervenção e avaliação final. Foram aplicados os questionários do Índice de Identificação dos Sinais e Sintomas da Respiração Oral e qualidade de vida específica para doenças em pacientes pediátricos com queixas sinonasais. Realizaram-se as avaliações da aeração nasal e o exame da rinomanometria anterior ativa. A intervenção foi realizada por meio da irrigação de solução salina nasal com 10 ml. Em seguida, os pacientes foram reavaliados pela avaliação da aeração nasal e rinomanometria, para comparar os resultados. Em relação à avaliação da aeração nasal e rinomanometria, das 16 medidas comparativas entre pré e pós-irrigação nasal, constataram-se mudanças significativas na aeração nasal e na resistência nasal. A irrigação nasal resultou em melhora nas medidas da aeração nasal, enquanto para o fluxo nasal da rinomanometria, as medidas permaneceram inalteradas entre pré e pós-irrigação nasal.

ABSTRACT Several studies have shown the importance of quantitative assessment in nasal patency and functional status of the upper airways to provide clinical and diagnostic information in oral breather individuals, which are of great interest to speech therapy. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of nasal saline solution irrigation on the upper airways through nasal aeration and active anterior rhinomanometry in oral breathing children. This was an eight case series study, carried out in children aged 7 to 10 years with an otorhinolaryngological clinical diagnosis of mouth breathing. The study consisted of three stages: (I) initial evaluation; (II) intervention; and (III) final evaluation. The questionnaires of the Index for the Identification of Oral Breathing Signs and Symptoms and disease-specific quality of life in pediatric patients with sinonasal complaints were applied, nasal aeration assessments and the anterior active rhinomanometry exam were carried out. The intervention was performed by irrigating nasal saline solution with 10ml. Afterwards, they were re-evaluated by nasal aeration evaluation and rhinomanometry to compare the results. Regarding nasal aeration and rhinomanometry evaluation, from the 16 comparative measurements between pre and post nasal irrigation, we obtained significant changes in nasal aeration and nasal resistance. Nasal irrigation resulted in improvement in nasal aeration measurements while nasal flow measurements from rhinomanometry remained unchanged considering pre and post nasal irrigation.

Pulmonary hypertension evaluation by Doppler echocardiogram in children and adolescents with mouth breathing syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Adenotonsillar hyperplasia (ATH) and allergic rhinitis (AR) are the most common causes of upper airway obstruction in children. Such diseases, by affecting the upper airways, can cause chronic alveolar hypoventilation, pulmonary vasoconstriction and pulmonary hypertension, which in some cases, are irreversible. OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in two groups of mouth-breathing (MB) 2-12 years old children with ATH and isolated allergic rhinitis, through Doppler echocardiography. METHODS: 54 patients with ATH and indications for adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy and 24 patients with persistent allergic rhinitis were selected and submitted to Doppler echocardiography. The Systolic Pulmonary Artery Pressure (SPAP) was determined by tricuspid regurgitation and the Mean Pulmonary Artery Pressure (MPAP) was calculated from the SPAP. Similar measurements were carried out in 25 nasal breathing (NB) individuals. RESULTS: The mean MPAP and SPAP were higher in the MB than in the NB group (17.62±2.06 [ATH] and 17.45±1.25 [AR] vs. 15.20±2.36 [NB] mmHg, p<0.005, and 25.61±3.38 [ATH] and 25.33±2.06 [AR] vs. 21.64±3.87 [NB] mmHg, p<0.005, respectively) and the mean acceleration time of pulmonary flow trace (Act) was higher in the NB than in the MB group (127.24±12.81 [RN] vs. 114.06±10.63ms [ATH] and 117.96±10.28 [AR] MS [AR]; p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: None of the MB children (ATH and AR) met the PH criteria, although individuals with both ATH and isolated AR showed significant evidence of increased pulmonary artery pressure by Doppler echocardiography in relation to NB individuals. No differences were observed between the ATH and AR groups.

Breathing pattern, orthognathic surgery and head posture in dentofacial deformity / Padrão respiratório, cirurgia ortognática e postura de cabeça na deformidade dentofacial

Abstract Introduction: Dentofacial deformity (DFD) and the breathing mode can change the head posture. However, head posture changes after orthognathic surgery are controversial, and no studies were found on the relationship between the head posture and breathing mode in adults with DFD. Objective: To identify the main head posture changes in young adults affected by DFD, to verify if orthognathic surgery modifies the breathing mode and head posture, and if the breathing mode is associated with the head posture. Methods: Twenty-five young adults were assessed and divided in dentofacial deformity group (DFD; n = 15; x̅ = 28 years) and control group with dentofacial harmony (CG; n = 10; balanced by gender and age with the study group). Breathing mode was evaluated according to the orofacial myofunctional evaluation protocol, and biophotogrammetry was used in the head posture analyses. For the DFD group, the evaluations were performed pre and post the orthognathic surgery (pre- and post-DFD). Results: For the DFD group, the breathing mode modified after orthognathic surgery (p = 0.003), but with difference from GC (p = 0.027). No changes were found in head posture after orthognathic surgery, but significant difference was seen between post-DFD and GC for head inclination (p = 0.017). No relationship was observed between breathing mode and head posture (p > 0.05). Conclusion: After orthognathic surgery, a spontaneous improvement of breathing was seen in the sample. It was not possible to verify changes in head posture and association with breathing mode and head posture.

Resumo Introdução: A deformidade dentofacial (DDF) e o modo respiratório podem alterar a postura de cabeça. Entretanto as modificações da postura de cabeça após a cirurgia ortognática são controversas e não foram encontrados estudos que apontassem relação entre a postura de cabeça e o modo respiratório em adultos com DDF. Objetivo: Identificar as principais alterações na postura de cabeça em adultos jovens com DDF, verificar se a cirurgia ortognática altera o modo respiratório e a postura de cabeça e se o modo respiratório está associado com a postura de cabeça. Métodos: Foram avaliados 25 jovens adultos, os quais foram divididos no grupo deformidade dentofacial (DDF; n = 15; x̅ = 28 anos) e grupo controle com harmonia dentofacial (GC; n = 10; equilibrados por gênero e idade com o grupo de estudo). O modo respiratório foi analisado de acordo com o protocolo de avaliação miofuncional orofacial e a postura de cabeça foi avaliada por meio da biofotogrametria. Para o grupo DDF, as avaliações foram realizadas antes e após a cirurgia ortognática (pré e pós-DDF). Resultados: Para o grupo DDF, o modo respiratório se modificou após a cirurgia ortognática (p = 0,003), porém com diferença em relação ao GC (p = 0,027). Não houve modificação na postura de cabeça após a cirurgia ortognática, porém observou-se diferença significativa entre os grupos pós-DDF e GC para a inclinação de cabeça (p = 0,017). Não observou-se relação entre o modo respiratório e a postura de cabeça (p > 0,05). Conclusão: Após a cirurgia ortognática, notou-se melhora espontânea da respiração na amostra estudada. Não foi possível verificar modificações na postura de cabeça e associação entre modo respiratório e postura de cabeça.

Nasal airflow measures and peak inspiratory flow in mouth-breathing children before and after nasal cleansing and massage maneuvers / Medidas da aeração nasal e fluxo máximo inspiratório em crianças com respiração oral pré e pós manobras de limpeza e massagem nasal

ABSTRACT This study aimed at investigating the effects of nasal cleansing and massage maneuvers on upper airway patency in mouth-breathing children. This is a case report on eight children, aged 7 to 10 years, with a speech-language-hearing diagnosis of mouth breathing and otorhinolaryngological assessment and clinical diagnosis of rhinitis. Nasal airflow and patency were respectively assessed with the Glatzel mirror and Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flow (PNIF). Then, they were submitted to nasal cleansing and massage maneuvers with a saline solution, followed by reassessment with the Glatzel mirror and PNIF to compare results. The medians of total nasal airflow quantification were significant. Data on unilateral nasal cavity measurement indicated a sharp increase in nasal airflow in each nostril, with statistically significant differences between before and after nasal cleansing and massage maneuvers. The medians of the total PNIF were significant after the cleansing. It is concluded that the nasal airflow increased in PNIF after the cleansing maneuver.

RESUMO Esse estudo objetivou investigar o efeito da manobra de limpeza e massagem nasal na permeabilidade da via aérea superior de crianças com respiração oral. Trata-se de um relato de caso no qual foram selecionadas oito crianças com idade entre 7 a 10 anos apresentando diagnóstico fonoaudiológico de respiração oral, com avaliação otorrinolaringológica e diagnóstico clínico de rinites. Realizou-se as avaliações da aeração nasal e permeabilidade nasal, utilizando o espelho milimetrado de Altmann e o Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flow (PNIF), respectivamente. Em seguida, executou-se as manobras de limpeza e massagem nasal com soro fisiológico. Ao término, utilizou-se novamente o espelho de Altmann e o PNIF para comparar os resultados. Os resultados obtidos pelas medianas na quantificação da aeração nasal total foram significantes. Os dados da mensuração das cavidades nasais unilateralmente indicaram aumento acentuado na aeração nasal em cada narina, tendo diferenças estatisticamente significante quando comparados com os valores antes e depois das manobras de limpeza e massagem nasal. Os valores obtidos pelas medianas no Fluxo Nasal Máximo Inspiratório Total foram significantes após a limpeza. Concluiu-se que houve aumento da aeração nasal no fluxo nasal máximo inspiratório após manobra de limpeza.

Hyperextension of the head versus cervical vertebrae morphology in mouth and nasal breathers: a preliminary study

Objective: This study aimed to compare through cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) the morphology of the cervical vertebrae atlas (C1) and axis (C2) in mouth breathers (MB) and nose breathers (NB), correlating them with the head and neck postures of the two groups. Materials and Methods: CBCT images of 36 subjects aged 11 to 22 years were evaluated using the InVivo Dental 5.1 (Anatomage, San Jose, California) software. The following measurements were used to assess C1 and C2 morphology: posterior height, anterior height, length, and volume. The craniocervical angle (NSL/OPT) was used to evaluate head posture concerning the neck. Results: The posterior height, length, and volume of C1 and C2 were lower in the MB group, but only the posterior size was significantly shorter than the NB group (C1, p=0.01 / C2, =0.05). Mouth breathers also showed a considerably higher craniocervical angle (p=0.04). Spearman test showed a significant positive correlation between C1 and C2 length and craniocervical angle (C1, =0.629, p=0.005 / C2, =0.665, p=0.003). Conclusion: The mouth breathers showed an increased craniocervical angle and decreased posterior height of the C1 vertebra concerning nasal breathers. The hyperextension of the head present is positively correlated with the length of the vertebra.

Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo comparar por meio da tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC) a morfologia do atlas das vértebras cervicais (C1) e do eixo (C2) em respiradores orais (MB) e nasais (RN), correlacionando-os com a cabeça e posturas do pescoço dos dois grupos. Materiais e Métodos: Imagens de CBCT de 36 indivíduos com idades entre 11 e 22 anos foram avaliadas usando o software InVivo Dental 5.1 (Anatomage, San Jose, Califórnia). As seguintes medidas foram usadas para avaliar a morfologia de C1 e C2: altura posterior, altura anterior, comprimento e volume. O ângulo craniocervical (NSL/OPT) foi utilizado para avaliar a postura da cabeça em relação ao pescoço. Resultados: A altura posterior, comprimento e volume de C1 e C2 foram menores no grupo MB, mas apenas o tamanho posterior foi significativamente menor que o grupo RN (C1, p=0,01 / C2, =0,05). Os respiradores orais também apresentaram um ângulo craniocervical consideravelmente maior (p=0,04). O teste de Spearman mostrou correlação positiva significativa entre comprimento de C1 e C2 e ângulo craniocervical (C1, =0,629, p=0,005 / C2, =0,665, p=0,003). Conclusão: Os respiradores orais apresentaram aumento do ângulo craniocervical e diminuição da altura posterior da vértebra C1 em relação aos respiradores nasais. A hiperextensão da cabeça presente está positivamente correlacionada com o comprimento da vértebra.

Influence of the breathing pattern on the learning process: a systematic review of literature.

INTRODUCTION: Mouth breathing leads to negative consequences on quality of life, especially in school-age children. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the breathing pattern influences children's learning process. METHODS: This systematic review was carried out according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) instructions, with no restrictions regarding the year of publication and language, created based on the clinical question formulation according to the Problem/Patient/Population, Intervention/Indicator, Comparison, Outcome (PICO) strategy: "Is the mouth-breathing child more likely to have learning disabilities when compared to nasal breathers?" in the SciELO, PubMed, LILACS, and Scopus electronic databases. Google Scholar was used to search the gray literature. The keywords "learning," "mouth breathing," and their equivalent terms in Portuguese were used in an integrated manner. The studies included in the review were observational, conducted with schoolchildren aged 7-11 years. Afterwards, the studies were evaluated regarding their methodological quality. The research was performed by two eligible reviewers. RESULTS: A total of 357 records were obtained, of which 43 records were duplicate. After applying the eligibility criteria, ten articles were included in the research scope. Half of the studies used a control group and otorhinolaryngological assessment, whereas a minority used validated (20%) and sample calculation protocols (10%). The evaluation procedures were varied. Overall, 80% of the articles showed a higher incidence of learning disabilities among mouth breathers. CONCLUSION: This systematic review has shown that mouth breathers are more likely to have learning difficulties than nasal breathers.

Alterations of oral functions and dental malocclusions in adolescents: a cross-sectional population-based study / Alterações das funções orais e má oclusão em adolescentes: um estudo transversal de base populacional

Abstract This article aims to assess whether alterations of oral functions (AOF) are associated with malocclusion (MO)'s type and severity. Cross-sectional study of a representative sample of 332 adolescents aged 12 years in São Luís-MA, Northeastern Brazil. MO criteria included Angle's classification, Dental Aesthetic Index, and other morphological problems. The AOF were evaluated by breathing, phonation, chewing, and swallowing. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated using logistic and multinomial regression analyses (α=5%). Mouth breathing was associated with defined (OR=3.84; 95%CI=1.45-10.12), disabling (OR=4.34; 95%CI=1.99-9.49), and class III (OR=4.15; 95%CI=1.19-14.54) MO. Phonation problems were associated with defined (OR=2.01; 95%CI=1.02-4.39), disabling (OR=3.04; 95%CI=1.55-5.96), and Class II (OR=2.02; 95%CI=1.28-3.18) MO. Chewing disorders were associated with posterior crossbite (PCB) (OR=2.32; 95%CI=1.12-4.82). Swallowing disorders were associated with Class III MO (OR=5.66; 95%CI=1.35-23.71), PCB (OR=6.13; 95%CI=2.76-13.62), and posterior open bite (OR=4.53; 95%CI=1.72-8.92). Breathing and phonation alterations are associated with MO in anterior arch segments, while chewing and swallowing disorders, in the posterior segments.

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é avaliar se alterações das funções orais (AFO) estão associadas ao tipo e gravidade da maloclusão (MO). Estudo transversal com amostra representativa de 332 adolescentes de 12 anos em São Luís-MA, Nordeste do Brasil. Critérios de MO incluíram Classificação de Angle, Índice de Estética Dental e outros problemas morfológicos. As AFO foram avaliadas por respiração, fonação, mastigação e deglutição. Odds ratios (OR) e intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC95%) foram calculados em análises de regressão logística e multinomial (α=5%). Respiração oral foi associada com MO definida (OR=3,84; IC95%=1,45-10,12), incapacitante (OR=4,34; IC95%=1,99-9,49) e classe III (OR=4,15; IC95%=1,19-14,54). Problemas de fonação foram associados às MO definidas (OR=2,01; IC95%=1,02-4,39), incapacitantes (OR=3,04; IC95%=1,55-5,96) e Classe II (OR=2,02; IC95%=1,28-3,18). Alterações na mastigação foram associadas à mordida cruzada posterior (MCP) (OR=2,32; IC95%=1,12-4,82). Deglutição atípica foi associada à MO Classe III (OR=5,66; IC95%=1,35-23,71), MCP (OR=6,13; IC95%=2,76-13,62) e mordida aberta posterior (OR=4,53; IC95%=1,72-8,92). Alterações de respiração e fonação estão associadas às MO nos segmentos anteriores do arco, enquanto as de mastigação e deglutição, nos segmentos posteriores.

[Frequency of rhinitis and orofacial disorders in patients with dental malocclusion]. / Frequência de rinite e alterações orofaciais em pacientes com má oclusão dentária.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the frequency and etiology of rhinitis, oral breathing, types of malocclusion and orofacial disorders in patients treated for dental malocclusion. METHODS: Patients with poor dental occlusion (n=89, 8-15 years) undergoing orthodontic treatment at the Postgraduate Orthodontics Center (Sao Paulo, Brazil) participated in the study. Rhinitis and oral breathing were diagnosed by anamnesis, clinical assessment and allergic etiology of rhinitis through immediate hypersensitivity skin prick test (SPT) with airborne allergens. The association between types of breathing (oral or nasal), rhinitis and types of dental malocclusion, bruxism and cephalometric alterations (increased Y axis of facial growth) compared to standard cephalometric tracing (Escola de Odontologia da Universidade de São Paulo) were assessed. RESULTS: The frequency of rhinitis in patients with dental malocclusion was 76.4% (68), and, of these, 81.7% were allergic (49/60 positive skin prick test), whereas the frequency of oral breathing was 62.9%. There was a significant association between an increased Y axis of facial growth and oral breathing (p<0.001), as well as between oral breathing and rhinitis (p=0.009). There was no association between rhinitis and bruxism. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of rhinitis in children with dental malocclusion is higher than that in the general population, which is approximately 30%. Patients with oral breathing have a tendency to a dolichofacial growth pattern (increased Y axis of facial growth). In patients with rhinitis, regardless of the presence of oral breathing, the dolichofacial growth tendency was not observed.

Influence of mentalis muscle relaxation on oronasal breathing / A repercussão do relaxamento do músculo mentual na respiração oronasal

ABSTRACT Purpose: to investigate the existence of changes in the electromyographic patterns of the mentalis and inferior orbicularis oris muscles in oronasal breathers, submitted to massage therapy on the mentalis muscle. Methods: a controlled blind placebo experiment, with a sample of 19 oronasal breathers (1 man and 18 women), mean age (standard deviation) 22.3 (2.63) years, randomly divided into control and experimental groups, respectively with 7 and 12 volunteers. The experimental group alone underwent myotherapy with massages for 3 months, while electromyographic data were collected from both groups at the beginning and end of the treatment, both at rest and when swallowing water. The analysis of variance was conducted to test the existence of differences between the means; the 5% significance level was used. Results: the analysis of variance revealed signs of interaction between the group and phase effects when analyzing the root mean square values of both the inferior orbicularis oris and the mentalis muscles. As expected, no signs of significant differences were found between the means of the phases in the control group. On the other hand, signs of significant difference were found in the experimental group, with reduced root mean square values in both muscles. The inferior orbicularis oris muscle, which in the pre-phase had a mean (standard deviation) of 202.10 (161.47) µV, had, in the post-phase, values of 131.49 (159.18) µV. The mentalis muscle, in its turn, had in the pre- and post-phase, respectively, a mean (standard deviation) of 199.31 (279.77) µV and 114.58 (253.56) µV. Conclusion: given that no effect was detected in the control group, the decrease in the root mean square values of the mentalis and inferior orbicularis oris muscles in oronasal breathers was attributed to the massage therapy on the mentalis muscle.

RESUMO Objetivo: investigar a existência de modificações dos padrões eletromiográficos dos músculos mentual e orbicular inferior da boca em respiradores oronasais submetidas à massoterapia no músculo mentual. Métodos: experimento cego placebo controlado, com amostra de 19 respiradores oronasais, 1 homem e 18 mulheres, com média de idade (desvio-padrão) de 22,3 (2,63) anos, aleatoriamente dividida nos grupos controle e experimental, respectivamente com 7 e 12 voluntários. Apenas no grupo experimental foi aplicada mioterapia por meio de massagens, por três meses e em ambos os grupos foram coletados dados eletromiográficos no início e no final do tempo de tratamento nas condições de repouso e deglutição de água. A análise de variância foi aplicada para testar a existência de diferenças entre as médias e foi adotado o nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: a análise de variância revelou indícios de interação entre os efeitos de grupo e fase quando analisados os valores de Root Mean Square (RMS), tanto do músculo orbicular inferior como do músculo mentual. Como esperado, não foram encontrados indícios de diferenças significantes entre as médias das fases no grupo controle, entretanto, foram encontrados indícios de diferença significante no grupo experimental havendo redução das médias de RMS em ambos os músculos. O orbicular inferior, que na fase pré apresentava média (desvio padrão) de 202,10 (161,47) µV, apresentou valores de 131,49 (159,18) µV na fase pós, enquanto que o músculo mentual apresentou, respectivamente, nas fases pré e pós, média (desvio padrão) de 199,31 (279,77) µV e 114,58 (253,56) µV. Conclusão: tendo em vista a não detecção de efeito no grupo controle, atribui-se à massoterapia no músculo mentual a redução das médias de Root Mean Square dos músculos mentual e orbicular inferior da boca em respiradores oronasais.

Acoustic rhinometry in mouth breathing patients: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: When there is a change in the physiological pattern of nasal breathing, mouth breathing may already be present. The diagnosis of mouth breathing is related to nasal patency. One way to access nasal patency is by acoustic rhinometry. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the effectiveness of acoustic rhinometry for the diagnosis of patients with mouth breathing. METHODS: Electronic databases LILACS, MEDLINE via PubMed and Bireme, SciELO, Web of Science, Scopus, PsycInfo, CINAHL, and Science Direct, from August to December 2013, were consulted. 11,439 articles were found: 30 from LILACS, 54 from MEDLINE via Bireme, 5558 from MEDLINE via PubMed, 11 from SciELO, 2056 from Web of Science, 1734 from Scopus, 13 from PsycInfo, 1108 from CINAHL, and 875 from Science Direct. Of these, two articles were selected. RESULTS: The heterogeneity in the use of equipment and materials for the assessment of respiratory mode in these studies reveals that there is not yet consensus in the assessment and diagnosis of patients with mouth breathing. CONCLUSION: According to the articles, acoustic rhinometry has been used for almost twenty years, but controlled studies attesting to the efficacy of measuring the geometry of nasal cavities for complementary diagnosis of respiratory mode are warranted.

Surface electromyography in orofacial and cervical musculature in mouth breathing children: an integrative literature review / Eletromiografia de superfície em musculatura orofacial e cervical de crianças respiradoras orais: revisão integrativa da literatura

ABSTRACT Purpose: to review, in an integrative manner, studies using surface electromyography in the orofacial and cervical musculature in mouth breathing children aged from three to 11 years and 11 months old. Methods: the survey was conducted in national and international databases, from 1998 to 2018, in Portuguese, English and Spanish. Review articles, dissertations, book chapters, case studies and editorials were excluded. Results: 86 articles were found, 14 of which met the inclusion criteria. Most of these studies used surface electromyography to assess and describe the muscle condition of the mouth breathing population. Only one study addressed the influence of myofunctional speech therapy and two studies included physical therapy treatment, using electromyographic evaluation before and after the intervention. Given the main categories of analysis, the discussion was based on the year, state of publication and journal, sample size, scientific methodology, muscles assessed, assessment protocols used and the results of the publications. Conclusions: surface electromyography has been used mainly in the initial assessment of orofacial and postural myofunctional changes caused by mouth breathing and not as a therapeutic biofeedback, thus, it is important to conduct longitudinal studies using this instrument in mouth breathers.

RESUMO Objetivo: revisar, de maneira integrativa, estudos que utilizaram a eletromiografia de superfície (EMGs) em musculatura orofacial e cervical de crianças respiradoras orais da faixa etária dos três aos 11 anos e 11 meses de idade. Métodos: a busca foi realizada em bases de dados nacionais e internacionais, entre 1998 a 2018, nos três idiomas português, inglês e espanhol. Foram excluídos os artigos de revisão, as dissertações, os capítulos de livros, os estudos de caso e os editoriais. Resultados: foram encontrados 86 artigos, e desses, 14 atendiam aos critérios de inclusão. A maioria desses estudos utilizaram a EMGs para avaliação e descrição da condição muscular da população de respiração oral. Apenas um estudo abordou a influência da terapia fonoaudiológica miofuncional e dois realizaram o tratamento fisioterápico utilizando a avaliação eletromiográfica antes e após a intervenção. A discussão foi construída em torno do ano, estado de publicação e periódico, tamanho da amostra, metodologia científica, músculos avaliados, protocolos de avaliação utilizados e os resultados contidos nas publicações, considerando que estas são as principais categorias de análise. Conclusões: constata-se que a EMGs tem sido utilizada, principalmente, na avaliação inicial das alterações miofuncionais orofaciais e posturais causadas pela respiração oral e não como biofeedback terapêutico, sendo importante a condução de estudos longitudinais utilizando tal instrumento em respiradores orais.

Sustained auditory attention ability in children based on the breathing mode / Habilidade de atenção auditiva sustentada em crianças de acordo com o modo respiratório

ABSTRACT Purpose: to analyze the auditory behavior and the performance in the Sustained Auditory Attention Ability Test (SAAAT) of children with different breathing modes. Methods: a total of 30 individuals (19 males and 11 females), ranging from seven to 11 years old, participated in the research. They were distributed into nasal-breathers, mouth-breathers, and oronasal-breathers groups. The Scale of Auditory Behaviors (SAB) questionnaire was applied to those responsible for the children, so as to characterize their auditory behavior. In the SAAAT, the following error patterns were analyzed: inattention, decreased vigilance, impulsivity, and total errors. For the inferential analysis, the Mann-Whitney, chi-square, and Kruskal-Wallis statistical tests were used. Results: the individuals with mouth- and oronasal-breathing modes had more complaints in the SAB questionnaire when compared with nasal-breathers. Regarding the SAAAT, it was found that the age group of seven to eight years was the one that had the worst performance in the test. The groups with oral and oronasal breathing had more errors, with a statistically significant difference between the groups for inattention and total errors. Conclusion: it can be concluded that individuals with oral and oronasal breathing had more complaints in the auditory behavior and worse performance in the SAAAT, especially for inattention and total errors.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar, em crianças com diferentes modos respiratórios, o comportamento auditivo e o desempenho no Teste da Habilidade de Atenção Auditiva Sustentada (THAAS). Métodos: participaram 30 indivíduos, na faixa etária dos sete aos onze anos, sendo 11 do sexo masculino e 19 do sexo feminino. Os mesmos foram distribuídos nos grupos de respiradores nasais, orais e oronasais. Foi aplicado, aos responsáveis, o questionário Scale of Auditory Behaviors (SAB) para caracterizar o seu comportamento auditivo. No THAAS foram analisados os seguintes padrões de erros: desatenção, decréscimo da vigilância, impulsividade e total de erros. Na análise inferencial foram utilizados os testes estatísticos Mann- Whitney, Qui quadrado e Kruskal-Wallis. Resultados: os indivíduos com modo respiratório oral e oronasal apresentaram mais queixas no questionário SAB em comparação aos respiradores nasais. Em relação ao THAAS, verificou-se que a faixa etária dos sete a oito anos foi a que teve pior desempenho no teste. Os grupos com respiração oral e oronasal tiveram mais erros, com diferença estatisticamente significante entre os grupos para o tipo de erro de desatenção e o total de erros. Conclusão: pode-se concluir que indivíduos com respiração oral e oronasal apresentaram mais queixas no comportamento auditivo e pior desempenho no THAAS, especialmente para a desatenção e no total de erros.

Conhecimento dos professores sobre a respiração oral antes e após programa de orientação / Teachers knowledge of the effects of mouth breathing before and after an orientation program

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar o conhecimento dos professores da educação infantil e ensino fundamental I a respeito da respiração oral, assim como verificar a ampliação do conhecimento dos professores sobre o tema, após a aplicação do programa de orientação fonoaudiológica. Métodos A amostra foi composta por 150 professores de escolas públicas e particulares. A promoção do conhecimento sobre a respiração oral foi realizada por meio do Programa de Orientação Fonoaudiológica, que abordou sobre a fisiologia da respiração, as causas e as consequências da respiração oral e os profissionais envolvidos no tratamento. Antes e após o programa, foram aplicados questionários semiestruturados, compostos por questões objetivas e discursivas a respeito das causas e consequências da respiração oral. Para a análise estatística entre os questionários pré e pós-programa, foi utilizado o teste McNemar. A comparação entre a média geral das respostas corretas foi realizada por meio do teste t-Student. Todas as diferenças foram consideradas estatisticamente significativas para um nível de significância de 5%. Resultados Observaram-se diferenças estatísticas (p<0,05) em todas as questões dos questionários pré e pós-programa de orientação. Conclusão Os professores apresentaram conhecimento prévio sobre a respiração oral, porém, o Programa de Orientação Fonoaudiológica mostrou-se eficaz e promoveu a ampliação do conhecimento sobre o tema.

ABSTRACT Purpose To ascertain primary and secondary school teachers knowledge of mouth breathing, as well as to gauge teachers improvements in knowledge of the subject area after the speech therapy guidance program. Methods 150 teachers from both public and private schools participated in the program. The promotion of information about mouth breathing was carried out as part of the Speech Therapy Program, which addressed areas such as the physiology of breathing, causes and consequences of mouth breathing and the professionals involved in the treatment. Before and after the program semi-structured questionnaires were given out, the questionnaires contained objective and discursive questions about the causes and consequences of mouth breathing. The McNemar test was used for statistical analysis of the pre and post program questionnaires. The comparison between the general average of correct answers was ascertained by using the t-Student test. All differences were considered statistically significant at a significance level of 5%. Results Statistical differences (p<0.05) were found in all questions in the pre and post-orientation program questionnaires. Conclusion The teachers showed they had some previous knowledge about mouth breathing, however the Speech Therapy Orientation Program proved to be effective and resulted in the teachers showing a greatly increased knowledge about the subject.

Radiographic adenoid evaluation--suggestion of referral parameters.

OBJECTIVE: this study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of current radiographic measurements, which were originally conceived to evaluate adenoid hypertrophy, as potential referral parameters. METHODS: children aged from 4 to 14 years, of both genders, who presented nasal obstruction complaints, were subjected to cavum radiography. Radiographic examinations (n = 120) were evaluated according to categorical and quantitative parameters, and data were compared to gold-standard videonasopharyngoscopic examination, regarding accuracy (sensitivity, negative predictive value, specificity, and positive predictive value). RESULTS: radiographic grading systems presented low sensitivity for the identification of patients with two-thirds choanal space obstruction. However, some of these parameters presented relatively high specificity rates when three-quarters adenoid obstruction was the threshold of interest. Amongst the quantitative variables, a mathematical model was found to be more suitable for identifying patients with more than two-thirds obstruction. CONCLUSION: this model was shown to be potentially useful as a screening tool to include patients with, at least, two-thirds adenoid obstruction. Moreover, one of the categorical parameters was demonstrated to be relatively more useful, as well as a potentially safer assessment tool to exclude patients with less than three-quarters obstruction, to be indicated for adenoidectomy.

Quantitative evaluation of tongue pressure in children with oral breathing / Avaliação quantitativa da pressão de língua em crianças com respiração oral

ABSTRACT Objective: to quantify tongue pressure in children with oral breathing and to describe their respiratory clinical manifestations, comparing them to the objective evaluation Methods: the study was performed with 60 children, four to nine years old, treated at the outpatient clinics of the Pernambuco Clinical Hospital, Federal University of Pernambuco, distributed into two groups, with and without oral breathing. The collection consisted of a survey of respiratory clinical manifestations, application of the protocol on respiratory mode and assessment of tongue pressure, using the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI). Results: male predominance and correlation between diagnosis of allergic rhinitis and/or nasal obstruction and the clinical diagnosis of oral breathing were observed. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups for usual position of open lips, open mouth, sagging facial expression muscles, narrow nostrils, shortened upper and everted lower lip. The mean tongue pressure in children with oral and nasal breathing presented a mean of 38.27 Kpa and 53.73 Kpa, respectively. Conclusion: tongue pressure decreased in children with oral breathing, corroborating that which is reported in the literature. There was agreement between the results of respiratory clinical characteristics and the objective evaluation.

RESUMO Objetivo: quantificar a pressão de língua em crianças com respiração oral e descrever as suas manifestações clínicas respiratórias, comparando-as à avaliação objetiva. Métodos: o estudo foi realizado com 60 crianças de 04 a 09 anos de idades atendidas nos ambulatórios do Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, distribuídas em dois grupos, com e sem respiração oral. A coleta constou do levantamento das manifestações clínicas respiratórias, da aplicação do protocolo sobre o modo respiratório e da avaliação da pressão de língua utilizando o Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI). Resultados: observou-se predominância do sexo masculino e correlação entre o diagnóstico clínico de rinite alérgica e/ou obstrução nasal com o diagnóstico clínico de Respiração oral. Houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os grupos para posição habitual dos lábios entreabertos, boca aberta, flacidez dos músculos da expressão facial, narinas estreitas, lábio superior encurtado e inferior evertido. As médias das pressões de língua em crianças com respiração oral e nasal apresentaram médias de 38,27 Kpa e 53,73 Kpa, respectivamente. Conclusão: foi verificada diminuição da pressão de língua em crianças com respiração oral, corroborando com o que é referido na literatura. Houve concordância entre os resultados das características clínicas respiratórias com a avaliação objetiva.

Association between breastfeeding and breathing pattern in children: a sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: to determine the prevalence of mouth breathing and to associate the history of breastfeeding with breathing patterns in children. METHODS: this was an observational study with 252 children of both genders, aged 30 to 48 months, who participated in a dental care program for mothers and newborns. As an instrument of data collection, a semi-structured questionnaire was administered to the children's mothers assessing the form and duration of breastfeeding and the oral habits of non-nutritive sucking. To determine the breathing patterns that the children had developed, medical history and clinical examination were used. Statistical analysis was conducted to examine the effects of exposure on the primary outcome (mouth breathing), and the prevalence ratio was calculated with a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: of the total sample, 43.1% of the children were mouth breathers, 48.4% had been breastfed exclusively until six months of age or more, and 27.4% had non-nutritive sucking habits. Statistically significant associations were found for bottle-feeding (p<0.001) and oral habits of non-nutritive sucking (p=0.009), with an increased likelihood of children exhibiting a predominantly oral breathing pattern. A statistically significant association was also observed between a longer duration of exclusive breastfeeding and a nasal breathing pattern presented by children. CONCLUSION: an increased duration of exclusive breastfeeding lowers the chances of children exhibiting a predominantly oral breathing pattern.