CMT CMT Breathing & Airway Disorders 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What type of breathing pattern is considered dysfunctional and a primary focus of myofunctional therapy?
- Diaphragmatic breathing
- Nasal breathing
- Mouth breathing (Correct answer)
- Pursed-lip breathing
Correct answer: Mouth breathing
Mouth breathing is a dysfunctional pattern that bypasses nasal filtration, humidification, and nitric oxide production, and is a core target of myofunctional therapy.
Question 2: Which nasal function is lost when a patient habitually mouth breathes?
- Carbon dioxide exchange
- Nitric oxide production (Correct answer)
- Oxygen saturation
- Lung expansion
Correct answer: Nitric oxide production
The nasal passages produce nitric oxide, a vasodilator that improves oxygen uptake in the lungs, which is bypassed during chronic mouth breathing.
Question 3: Upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) is most closely associated with which myofunctional dysfunction?
- Low tongue posture (Correct answer)
- Lip competence
- Tongue thrusting
- Nasal breathing
Correct answer: Low tongue posture
Low or improper tongue posture reduces oral airway support and contributes to upper airway collapse, which is characteristic of UARS.
Question 4: A myofunctional therapist notices a patient has chronic nasal congestion that prevents nasal breathing. What is the FIRST recommended action?
- Begin oral motor exercises immediately
- Refer to an ENT or allergist (Correct answer)
- Tape the mouth closed during sleep
- Prescribe antihistamines
Correct answer: Refer to an ENT or allergist
Structural or medical causes of nasal obstruction must be addressed by an ENT or allergist before nasal breathing training can succeed.
Question 5: Which condition is directly worsened by low tongue posture and weak oropharyngeal muscles?
- Asthma
- Obstructive sleep apnea (Correct answer)
- Chronic sinusitis
- Allergic rhinitis
Correct answer: Obstructive sleep apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is exacerbated by weak oropharyngeal and tongue muscles that collapse during sleep, reducing airway patency.
Question 6: The Buteyko breathing method used in myofunctional therapy primarily addresses which issue?
- Overbreathing and low CO2 tolerance (Correct answer)
- Shallow chest breathing
- Inspiratory muscle weakness
- Mouth dryness during exercise
Correct answer: Overbreathing and low CO2 tolerance
Buteyko breathing aims to reduce chronic overbreathing and improve carbon dioxide tolerance, which helps restore nasal breathing patterns.
CMT CMT Breathing & Airway Disorders 1
What type of breathing pattern is considered dysfunctional and a primary focus of myofunctional therapy?