The cold and Flu season is in full swing, more and more people suffer from cough, sore throat and runny nose.
Mainly a stuffy nose is annoying, because it makes Breathing difficult and often results in a poor sleep.
Affected can observe often that only one nostril is clogged, but why is that?
The nasal cycle is
Who holds successively the wings of the nose, each deep breath, you will find that the breathe through one nostril significantly easier.
A nasal turbinate is in fact always in a resting phase, while the other works. Physicians have observed this phenomenon already in 1895.
Dr. Michael Deeg, specialist for ear, nose and throat medicine, explains the nasal cycle as the alternating rise and fall of the mucous membrane and cavernous body in the two nose sides.
This process takes place continuously and independently of external Stimuli. A cycle lasts from 30 minutes to 14 hours.
But what is the meaning of this process for a cold?
Therefore, only one nostril is always clogged
The nasal cycle is unconsciously. With other words: You did not notice that only one nostril is active. The situation is different, however, if you are suffering from a cold.
Then it feels like skin, the swollen nasal mucosa and the alternating nasal cycle so that only one side is clogged.
What is the function of the cycle?
“During the nasal cycle always the mucosa and the erectile tissue of the side of the Nose swollen, while the other side is in the working phase. In this phase of the work, a much higher air flow stream in the nose, as during the resting phase,” explains Dr. Michael Deeg.
The swollen condition in the resting phase, minimize the air that reaches the mucosa. Therefore, the mucus can give skin in the resting phase is significantly less moisture in the air.
As in the work phase of the penetration due to the off wool condition, unimpeded air into the nose, clear the mucus a more higher humidification costs skin in this Phase.
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“The relaxation phase is therefore, the relaxation and Regeneration of the nasal mucosa. In this Phase of the regeneration of the mucous membrane not only saves moisture, but also energy.
The nasal mucosa plays primarily as a protection of inhaled foreign bodies and disease devices against pathogens a role.
Your cilia body to transport foreign substances. The regeneration processes to ensure that the mucosa remains functional.
Just after colds or infections, the ability to regenerate for restoration of the protective functions is important,” said the expert.
Which is influenced by the nasal cycle?
One of the most famous complaints in connection with the nasal cycle the nasal Hyper-reactivity. This is the phenomenon of the natural nasal cycle is disturbed by the contact with external Stimuli.
Of course, the way the mucosa reacts to the skin of the nose to certain influences with an obstruction of nasal breathing, Sneezing, or similar phenomena.
Doctors distinguish in this context between a specific and a nonspecific Hyper-reactivity. In the case of the specific Hyper-reactivity of the Patient is over-reacting to allergens.
If he reacts against it, for example, environmental stimuli such as smoke, fumes, or cold air, is of a non-specific Hyper-reactivity of the speech.
The ENT expert indicates that both “inflammation, as well as disorders of neural control in the context of the Hyper-reactivity all play a role.
The production and release of the body’s own substances, such as neurotransmitters is altered and the receiving receptors of the vessels and nerves, or glands over-reacting.”
What helps if the nose is one-sided swollen?
The nose is swelled without external stimulus, unilaterally, you have to be active, because breathing through the nose is usually sufficient.
“In principle, the use of Isotonic or hypertonic saline solutions in question, but to the nose on a gentle way to beat off the waves,” advises Dr. Michael Deeg.
The nose should be blocked over a longer period of time, you should consult a doctor who can make a reliable diagnosis.
Cover Media, Stefanie Naumann
*The contribution of “the common cold: Why is there only one nostril is always clogged” is published by FitForFun. Contact with the executives here.