East DFW News

Most people don't give much thought to their noses, until they are experiencing breathing problems, says Dr. Monty Trimble of Dallas Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers.

But it's important to remember that the nose is not operating in isolation from other parts of your body.

"There's been much said about the kind of combined airway when you talk about the respiratory mucosal tissue. What tends to affect the nose also affects the lungs," Trimble told East DFW News.

Here are five facts about your nose that may surprise you.

Fact 1:  We have two nostrils for a reason. You may notice that when you have a cold, you can still breathe while one nostril is completely blocked, usually due to allergies or inflammation of the sinuses. Just like the yoga breathing practice known as pranayama, or alternate nostril breathing, your body and nose do this naturally, alternating dominant air flow through each nostrils every few hours.    

Fact 2: Just like eyelashes and eyebrows, which prevent dust and debris from getting into the eyes, the nose is ground zero for every breath we take. The tiny hairs in the nose are the body's way of protecting itself by blocking harmful pathogens and airborne particles from entering the respiratory system.  

Fact 3: Scientific research says breathing through your nose, rather than your mouth, is better for your health. Breathing through your mouth can have substantial negative health consequences and even contribute to bad breath. Mouth breathing dries out the mouth, creating the environment for gingivitis and cavity development.      

Fact 4: The vomeronasal organ, or Jacobson's organ, found within the nose, is an auxiliary to our sense of smell. It functions in part under the endocrine system. It is responsible for mammals being receptive to chemical signals, such as “pheromones” required for mating. However, in humans, it is thought to be irrelevant. 

Fact 5: Mucus is important. Mucus works to protect the lining, or mucosa, of the nose, as well as a sticky surface for pathogens and airborne particles. When you’re suffering from a cold, your nose is not actually full of mucus. What you’re experiencing is nose inflammation, which makes it feel like your nose is full.

If you or someone you know suffers from a sinus condition, or you would like to learn more about the topics in this article, please take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.