Examining The Damaging Effects That Mouth Breathing And Excessive Breathing Have On Speech Production And Oral/Facial Structu

Course overview

New information on the importance of nasal breathing and the role carbon dioxide plays in allowing appropriate amounts of oxygen to be distributed throughout the body has important implications for Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapists during the treatment planning process for persons with respiratory disorders including COPD and asthma. Participants will learn about the damaging effects of mouth breathing and excessive breathing and methods to reestablish healthy nasal and diaphragmatic breathing patterns. Speech Pathologists will learn how to incorporate this information into their treatment programs to improve speech and voice production (including those with dysphagia). Occupational and Physical Therapists will learn how to incorporate this information into their treatment plans to increase energy conservation ability during mobility training and all activities of daily living. In addition, all participants will learn how proper breathing can improve attention and focus during the treatment process. This course will also explain why nasal breathing and correct resting tongue posture is imperative for normal development of the teeth, jaws and face. In addition, variances in the severity of dysfunctional breathing will be addressed and a number of different approaches will be outlined to ensure therapeutic intervention can be offered across all ability ranges. Participants will also be able to perform an individual assessment to identify their own abnormal breathing patterns and learn strategies to correct these unhealthy respiratory patterns.