Effect of compromised nasal breathing on craniofacial development

ABSTRACT

The impact of nasal respiration impairment on craniofacial growth and development has been evaluated intensively in human and animal studies. The aims of this paper are to critically review 1- the causes and diagnostic methods of nasal obstruction, specifically septal deviation, turbinate dysfunction, lymphoid tissue hypertrophy, and soft tissue alteration. 2- the growth pattern of the adenoids in relation to age and their size change in response to environmental factors. 3- the role of mouth breathing in the development of characteristic malocclusions and associated patterns of facial growth ["adenoid fades"], with a focus on available and needed research. 4- the ongoing debate about removal of lymphoid tissues to avoid facial dysmorphology, and the corollary issue of optimal timing of adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy that would prevent the development of such dysmorphology. The importance of a multidisciplinary approach in diagnosing, referring and treating patients with airway impairment will be emphasized