Alternating nostril blockage_one nostril is always blocked

People's facial structures are the same, but the appearance of specific parts is completely different. The nose is an important organ on the human face, and the nostrils are part of the nose. The most common problem with the nostrils is blockage. It is normal to have blocked nostrils when you have a cold, but it is a strange phenomenon if your nostrils are blocked frequently. Therefore, special attention needs to be paid. What is the reason for alternating blockage of nostrils and always one nostril being blocked?

The nasal cavity is a complex cavity structure, and the nasal concha is a very important structure of the nasal cavity. Each person has three pairs of nasal conchae, namely the superior turbinate, middle turbinate and inferior turbinate. Turbinate hypertrophy is a common ear, nose and throat disease, which usually develops from chronic simple rhinitis. Typically, turbinate hypertrophy is most likely to occur in the inferior turbinate.

Chronic nasal inflammation with repeated attacks causes the mucosal epithelium to lose its cilia and transform into a stratified cuboidal epithelium. The submucosal layer undergoes edema and then fibrous tissue hyperplasia, causing the mucosa to thicken. Over time, it may become mulberry-like or polyp-like, with hyperplasia of periosteum and bone tissue, and hypertrophy of the nasal concha bones.

Typical symptoms of nasal hypertrophy

(1) Severe nasal congestion, often persistent, frequent mouth breathing, and decreased sense of smell.

(2) The nasal discharge is thick and often mucous or mucopurulent. Due to postnasal discharge, the throat is irritated and causes coughing and excessive sputum.

(3) When the enlarged middle turbinate compresses the nasal septum, it can cause compression or inflammation of the anterior ethmoid nerve, which is derived from the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve. This can cause irregular paroxysmal frontal pain that radiates to the bridge of the nose and eye sockets. This is called anterior ethmoid neuralgia, also known as anterior ethmoid nerve syndrome.

(4) If the mucosa at the posterior end of the inferior turbinate is thickened, it may compress the Eustachian tube and cause tinnitus or hearing loss.

(5) When the physiological function of the nasal cavity is affected, breathing disorders will occur, causing a decrease in blood oxygen concentration, affecting the functions and metabolism of other tissues and organs, and may even cause serious complications such as emphysema, cor pulmonale, and asthma.

Sometimes the left nostril is blocked, sometimes the right nostril is blocked. This "persistent, alternating nasal congestion is a classic symptom of turbinate hypertrophy.

Due to physiological needs, the nasal conchae contract and expand alternately, causing the size of the nasal conchae to change alternately, rotating approximately every 2-7 hours. The nasal conchae maintain the normal balance of nasal resistance on both sides and regulate air flow. The nasal conchae have a relatively large expanded area and regulate the temperature, humidity, filtration and cleaning of the inhaled air.

The uncomfortable nasal congestion makes it difficult for patients to sleep well and unable to concentrate on work or study. Long-term nasal congestion compresses the nasal nerves and causes dizziness and headaches. In addition, long-term oral breathing and nasal congestion often cause the throat to become tired and inflamed, resulting in dry and sore throat, a foreign body sensation or itching in the throat, and dry coughs, hoarseness, and pharyngitis.

Turbinate hypertrophy is a chronic disease that is difficult to treat and prone to recurrence. It is very harmful to the body and you should choose a regular specialist hospital for treatment. In addition, enlarged nasal conchae are often the "culprit" of nasal polyps and sinusitis.