The nose is probably the most prominent and noticeable feature of the face. It can make one look attractive, strong, may make a few look mean others more jovial but, most important of all the nose is to breathe. It in fact, has the unique function of filtering, warming and humidifying the air we breathe. In order for the lungs to make the best use of the inhaled air it has to reach the lung tissue in the optimal condition. No matter what the ambient temperature and humidity is, the inhaled air is always warmed at 36°C and 60% humidity. It’s an awesome conditioner! We move a large amount of air through the nose, about 15 liters a minute or about four gallons.

The most efficient way to introduce air into our bodies is to breathe through the nose and that is the natural way too. Not everyone can breathe well through the nose, some have to breathe through the mouth and are painfully aware that the nose is blocked. Some have a persistent problem, but most are aware that there’s a cycle of restricted passage alternating from right to left during the day, which is normal. Several are more aware of this cycle because they have an underlying problem of obstruction due to internal swelling or presence of a deviated septum (the wall between the two sides) or even the presence of a tumor or of a foreign body (more common in children).

The presence of a blockage even influences which side we sleep on since our brain tells our body in what position we can breathe better. The health of our nose is important to the sinuses and lungs for their proper function and a significant obstructive pathology can also influence the respiratory rate and aggravate conditions such as asthma, recurrent sinusitis and even ear infections. We all know someone who snores so loudly that becomes unbearable as a roommate and who even sounds like he is about to choke; most likely this unfortunate individual has a blocked nose.

It’s a good idea to see a nose specialist in all of those instances when the nose is unusually, persistently blocked, especially if there are aggravating situations such as the one mentioned above.

An ear, nose and throat specialist is uniquely qualified to evaluate your problem and help is on its way often as a medication, sometimes as surgery. He/she can make your nose look better, if you want, but certainly can make it work more efficiently; of course, sometimes looking better and working better go hand in hand because what makes your nose less attractive also makes it work less physiologically.

Many ask if the problem of nasal obstruction is one that only pertains to adults; the answer is no since the septum, for example, can become crooked due to pushing forces during birth. In children though surgery is very rarely recommended until they have completed the growth of the facial structures.