Why Does Only One Nostril Get Clogged When You’re Sick?
Have you ever noticed that when you’re sick, only one nostril seems to get clogged while the other remains relatively clear? This common phenomenon can be annoying and leave you wondering about the inner workings of our nasal passages.
The answer lies in the intricate physiology of the nasal cavity. The nasal passage is divided into two parts by a thin wall called the nasal septum. On one side, we have the superior turbinate and on the other side, the middle and inferior turbinates.
During a normal day, these turbinates work together to humidify, filter, and warm the air we breathe. However, when we catch a cold or suffer from allergies, the delicate balance inside our nose can be disrupted, leading to congestion.
Our bodies employ a fascinating mechanism called “nasal cycle”, where the turbinates on each side of the nasal cavity alternately swell and shrink. It is an entirely natural process, not related to illness, that occurs approximately every two to six hours throughout the day.
When you’re sick, this nasal cycle can become more pronounced. One nostril swells up, blocking airflow, while the other remains relatively open. The swollen side works hard to fight off infection, while the open side continues to let air pass, even if in reduced amounts.
Scientists believe that this alternating nasal congestion is an evolutionary adaptation to optimize the functions of the nasal passages. It allows each side to take turns in performing crucial tasks such as capturing particles, minimizing moisture loss, and promoting efficient gas exchange.
Moreover, the blocked nostril creates a region of increased air resistance, which causes the inhaled air to swirl more extensively inside the nasal cavity. This increased turbulence enhances the effectiveness of the nasal turbinate’s filtering and humidifying functions, further aiding in respiratory defense.
It’s important to note that if you consistently experience only one nostril being blocked without any underlying illness, it may be a sign of a deviated septum. A deviated septum is a condition where the nasal septum is significantly off-center, affecting airflow. Consulting an ear, nose, and throat specialist is advisable if the issue persists.
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Why Does Only One Nostril Get Clogged When You’re Sick?
Have you ever noticed that when you’re sick, only one nostril seems to get clogged while the other remains relatively clear? This common phenomenon can be annoying and leave you scratching your head about the inner workings of our nasal passages.
The answer lies in the intricate physiology of the nasal cavity. The nasal passage is divided into two parts by a thin wall called the nasal septum. On one side, we have the superior turbinate and on the other side, the middle and inferior turbinates.
During a normal day, these turbinates work together to humidify, filter, and warm the air we breathe. However, when we catch a cold or suffer from allergies, the delicate balance inside our nose can be disrupted, leading to congestion.
Our bodies employ a fascinating mechanism called “nasal cycle”, where the turbinates on each side of the nasal cavity alternately swell and shrink. It is an entirely natural process, not related to illness, that occurs approximately every two to six hours throughout the day.
When you’re sick, this nasal cycle can become more pronounced. One nostril swells up, blocking airflow, while the other remains relatively open. The swollen side works hard to fight off infection, while the open side continues to let air pass, even if in reduced amounts.
Scientists believe that this alternating nasal congestion is an evolutionary adaptation to optimize the functions of the nasal passages. It allows each side to take turns in performing crucial tasks such as capturing particles, minimizing moisture loss, and promoting efficient gas exchange.
Moreover, the blocked nostril creates a region of increased air resistance, which causes the inhaled air to swirl more extensively inside the nasal cavity. This increased turbulence enhances the effectiveness of the nasal turbinate’s filtering and humidifying functions, further aiding in respiratory defense.
It’s important to note that if you consistently experience only one nostril being blocked without any underlying illness, it may be a sign of a deviated septum. A deviated septum is a condition where the nasal septum is significantly off-center, affecting airflow. Consulting an ear, nose, and throat specialist is advisable if the issue persists.
Sources:
Humans have long used their noses for more than just breathing. Our noses detect fragrances, alert us to foul odors and allow us to enjoy food and drinks. But, have you ever had just one nostril that seemed to be more blocked up than the other when you were sick? You’re certainly not alone, but the reason may be hard to scrub away.
When a person has a cold, allergies, or sinus infection, tiny blood vessels in the nose and sinuses swell. This can cause blockage in both nostrils. But, why one nostril clogs more than the other is something of a mystery. In addition to the swelling, mucus production is increased and this can also affect the drainage of the sinuses.
Some medical researchers postulate that a shift in pressure in the left and right sides of the nasal cavity is the cause for this blockage. This change in pressure can affect the way air flows through the nostrils. When a person breathes in through one nostril, it can result in greater blockage in the other nostril as other factors, such as mucus, takes longer to clear from the affected side.
There are also theories on why the blockage may seem more pronounced on one side. For instance, one study suggests that one side may be more sensitive than the other, leading people to notice the blockage more in that particular nostril. Another theory is that the linings of the noses may naturally cause more blockage in one nostril than in the other.
Though uncovering the mystery behind our blocked noses may be difficult, medical advances have made it easier for people suffering from blocked noses and sinus infections to get relief. Treatment options, depending on the cause, may include over-the-counter medications, warm-water irrigation, and antihistamine nasal sprays.
Uncovering the mystery of why one nostril gets blocked when we’re sick isn’t an easy task. But, understanding the potential causes and, more importantly, being aware of treatments that repair the nasal cavity can result in feeling better for sufferers.