Why do I sleep with my mouth open?
Disease description:
My child has been sleeping with his mouth open for the past two days. May I ask what might be causing this?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Xie Zixing
Sleeping with the mouth open may be caused by nasal congestion due to a cold or by a deviated nasal septum. If it results from nasal congestion associated with a cold, local warm compresses using a heated towel may help; alternatively, medications such as pediatric paracetamol–chlorpheniramine–pseudoephedrine granules may be administered per a physician’s instructions. If the cause is a deviated nasal septum, surgical correction—specifically septoplasty—may be indicated. Postoperatively, proper local wound care is essential.
