Our noses alternate between nostrils for breathing, but blockage in one can cause discomfort. This natural process often goes unnoticed.
Airflow through the nose
The air we breathe in enters through the nose, moving through specific passages like the choanae, which are openings at the back of the nasal cavities that connect to the throat. This path includes the nasal valve and the nasal turbinates, which are structures that help filter and warm the air.Exhalation follows the same route
When breathing out, air travels back along the same path it came in, from the nasal cavities through the choanae and out through the nasal orifice. This means any blockage in the nasal passages can cause breathing difficulties or discomfort.Unilateral nasal obstruction
When one nostril is blocked, it can create an unpleasant sensation known as unilateral nasal obstruction. This condition is often experienced as a feeling of stuffiness or difficulty breathing through one side of the nose.Unnoticed nasal congestion
The regular switching between congestion and decongestion in one nostril is a common, often unnoticed process. It is a natural part of nasal function and can occur without a person being aware of it.
