Warning Signs Of A Deviated Septum

Nasal Cycle Awareness

The nasal cycle in humans is where the nose clears a blocked nostril, and then the other nostril becomes blocked. This mechanism of the nose and brain is a swelling and constriction pattern of the mucous membranes inside of the nose. The reason the human body exhibits this cycle is because it wants to keep a balance and have both nasal passages clear. The nasal cycle is not something individuals should usually be aware of, as it is an automatic function. However, when someone is experiencing severe allergies or a cold, they may have an enhanced nasal cycle awareness, or be aware of the alternation of nasal channel clearing. Individuals with a deviated septum are going to generally be more aware of this because the side of the nose opposite of the narrowed side will get obstructed frequently as well. When the larger nasal passage is clogged, then the narrow passage is the only way airflow can travel. If the narrow passage then gets clogged up as well, the patient with the deviated septum will not have any nasal airflow.