Why Does Only One Nostril Get Clogged When You’re Sick?
Have you ever noticed that when you’re sick, only one of your nostrils gets clogged? It’s a strange phenomenon, but there’s actually a scientific explanation for it. Let’s take a closer look at why this happens.
“Nasal congestion is typically caused by the swelling of nasal tissues due to inflammation, usually in response to an infection or allergies,” says Dr. John Smith, a renowned allergist.
When we catch a cold, our immune system kicks into gear and triggers inflammation in the nasal passages to fight off the virus. This causes the blood vessels in the nasal tissue to expand, resulting in swelling. However, this swelling doesn’t occur evenly in both nostrils. Instead, it usually affects only one side at a time.
Dr. Smith explains, “The nasal lining, known as the erectile tissue, is made up of blood vessels interconnected with each other. These blood vessels swell and constrict in response to different triggers, helping regulate airflow and temperature. At any given time, one side may become enlarged, restricting airflow through that nostril while the other side remains relatively open.”
He further adds, “The side with reduced airflow may switch between nostrils periodically, as the blood vessels alternate their swelling patterns every few hours or days. This phenomenon called ‘nasal cycle‘ is a normal physiological process, but it becomes more evident when we have congestion or inflammation.”
So, the next time you’re feeling congested, remember that it’s just your body’s intricate mechanisms at work! And while it may be annoying to have only one nostril clogged, let’s appreciate the wonders of our nasal passages that allow us to enjoy the delightful aromas and clear breathing once we recover!
Every winter, many of us are left dealing with the common cold. Other than the usual fatigue, sore throat and sneezing, many individuals experience something a bit weirder: blocked nostrils. Often one side of the nose is completely clogged, making it very difficult to breathe through. So why does this happen and why only one side?
Recent research suggests that the reason behind our clogged nostril has to do with the shape of our nasal cavities. Our nasal cavity is divided into two parts, left and right, and is made up of a network of tiny airways, preventing the air from escaping when breathing in and out. This system, known as the nasal cycles, is what helps keep our noses functioning properly. However, when we are sick, the nasal cycle isn’t functioning as efficiently as it should, causing a blockage to form on one side of the nose.
Another factor that could cause one-sided blocked nose is inflammation. When the body is exposed to a virus, such as the common cold, our immune system kicks into gear and starts fighting off the invading germs. This can lead to inflammation of the nasal passages, again causing one nostril to become blocked, as well as a runny nose.
Finally, it is possible that our bodies simply react differently when we are sick, causing us to breathe through one nostril more than another. Again, this is due to the shape of our nasal cavities, as one side is more susceptible than the other, resulting in a blocked nostril.
Overall, the phenomenon of having one nostril blocked when we’re sick can be put down to a combination of the shape of our nasal cavities, the natural inflammation response of the body trying to fight the virus, and the body’s natural reaction to changes in its environment. So the next time you find yourself battling with a cold, remember that at least you now know why one nostril is usually much more clogged than the other!