Nasal Cycle: What is that?

The dry season has just begun here in Nigeria. Located in the tropical zone, Nigeria experiences two distinct seasons: the wet and the dry. While the rainy season can last from March to October, the dry season typically spans the remaining months, from November to February. Each season brings its own unique characteristics. Personally, I prefer the wet season to the dry one, and my reasons are not difficult to understand.

Though the rainy season is often marked by heavy downpours, muddy terrains, and chilly weather, it is still far preferable to the challenges posed by the dry season. The primary culprit for my dislike is the dry air and the abundance of dust particles in the atmosphere. This combination not only irritates the skin and eyes but also creates an ideal environment for the spread of viral particles. Consequently, the dry season becomes a prime time for respiratory illnesses like the flu. Unfortunately, I am not immune to this seasonal affliction.

Flu is something I deeply detest, especially because of the nasal congestion that usually comes with it. When I have the flu, it feels as though one nostril is constantly blocked, forcing me to rely on the other for breathing. However, just as relief seems imminent in one nostril, the blockage often shifts to the other, leaving me in an endless cycle of discomfort. It's as though the congestion deliberately alternates between my nostrils, ensuring no moment of ease.

Nighttime is the most challenging part of dealing with the flu. When lying down, breathing through a single nostril feels utterly insufficient, and sometimes, both nostrils become completely blocked. This forces me to breathe through my mouth, which quickly leads to dryness in my mouth and throat. The experience is so distressing that, at times, it feels like I might suffocate. The flu turns an otherwise simple act like breathing into a monumental struggle.

A screenshot of the post that started it all.

A few days ago, while scrolling through my timeline on X, I stumbled upon a post about the challenges of breathing with the flu. In the comments, someone shared an intriguing fact about human breathing: most of us breathe through only one nostril at a time, even under normal circumstances. This process, known as the "nasal cycle," piqued my curiosity, as it offered a surprising explanation for the discomfort caused by nasal congestion.

Breathing might seem like the simplest act for a healthy human, but few realize that we naturally alternate airflow between our nostrils. The nasal cycle, a physiological process controlled by the autonomic nervous system, ensures that airflow shifts between the two nostrils every few hours. This cycle is made possible by the rhythmic swelling and decongestion of the nasal turbinates, which are vascular tissues inside the nose. At any given moment, one nostril is partially congested while the other remains open, facilitating a steady shift in airflow.

This alternating pattern is vital for optimal nasal function. By giving each nostril a period of reduced airflow, the nasal cycle helps to humidify and filter the air we breathe while allowing the tissues in the nostrils to recover. This process also prevents overexposure to irritants, ensuring the respiratory system remains healthy and functional. Despite its importance, the nasal cycle is so subtle that most people never notice it. However, certain conditions, like colds, allergies, or nasal congestion, can amplify this process, making it more noticeable and sometimes uncomfortable.

During illnesses like the flu, the nasal cycle becomes more pronounced. The normal rhythmic swelling of the nasal turbinates is exacerbated, often leading to a total or more severe blockage of airflow in one nostril. While the cycle ordinarily does not interfere with overall breathing, as the open nostril compensates for the reduced airflow, illnesses can disrupt this balance, making breathing feel strained and unnatural.

Learning about the nasal cycle gave me a new perspective on the struggles I face during the dry season. It’s fascinating to think that, under normal conditions, our bodies maintain this delicate balance without us even realizing it. The nasal cycle optimizes respiratory efficiency and protects the mucosal lining from pollutants and pathogens, underscoring the complexity of our respiratory system.

So, the next time someone tells you that you breathe through both nostrils simultaneously, you can confidently correct them. The nasal cycle has other plans. Life has a way of teaching us something new every day, and this curious phenomenon is a reminder of how intricate and finely tuned the human body truly is.

Posted Using InLeo Alpha