Dr. Dan, I already know how to breathe. Don’t I? Most of us breathe without thinking about it. Purposeful breathing with the diaphragm is a skill that provides a better source of breath. It’s a more efficient way to breathe and helps reduce stress. It also strengthens the core and can help alleviate back pain. Many people use it during meditation. Please research this type of breathing and consider incorporating it into your daily routine. There are many good instructional sources on the internet. You can even change your breathing style and use this method exclusively.

Breathing through the nose is also important for the microbiome. The nasal passage alters the air, creating necessary compounds. The first cranial nerve is in the nose and has a direct link to the brain. The nose acts as the body’s early warning system. If you cannot breathe through either nostril, see an otolaryngologist (ENT) for an evaluation. This is not a trivial problem, especially if you are forced to breathe through your mouth.