Dark circles under eyes, caused by lack of oxygen ??

[milliemooXX]

My Son's Orthodontist said she wants to refer him to a ENT specialist as he has dark circles under his eyes and breathes through is mouth as if his nose is blocked - she said this is a sign of lack of oxygen in blood and may need his adenoids looked at? He is 15. Anybody heard of this. I had my adenoids and tonsils out at 6 and I still have blocked sinuses at the age of 42? Could it be hereditary at all. I am quite worried.

[daffy654]

Nope, never heard of it. I would have thought dark circles under the eyes was more likely due to not getting enough sleep, especially in a teenager.

[chelle7272]

Yes lack of oxygen and sinus problems cause them.

[milliemooXX]

I dont understand how you get less oxygen into the body breathing through your mouth as opposed to through your nose though?

[Sqad]

Yes......a well know phenomenon.....but i would guess it is not due to enlarged adenoids....particularly at 15 years of age.
As he is a mouth breather it is more likely to be due to a nasal problem(displaced nasal septum) rather than adenoidal enlargement.

[chelle7272]

I thought it was more to do with blood flow due to congestion, but I'm nit an expert. I used to get them when I was anaemic too.
The GP / ENT specialist will be able to explain.

[Sqad]

Just seen that i haven't answered your question......

\\\\I dont understand how you get less oxygen into the body breathing through your mouth as opposed to through your nose though?\\\

The nose rather than the mouth is responsible mainly for providing good quality oxygen to the lungs and hence to the rest of the body via the blood stream.

[milliemooXX]

Thanks for your informative advice.

[pdq1]

Are you sure he's not suffering from Sleep Apnea?