Pomona Valley News

Sinus experts at SoCal Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers are giving some insight into facts about the human nose.

When we look at our face we often overlook the functionality. Rather, we focus on the features. Symmetrical or not, our features serve a purpose and the nose is no different. Unless your nose is giving you problems, do you really give it much thought?

"Humans are obligate nasal breathers; everything we breathe in is primarily through our nose," said Dr. Matt Hershcovitch of SoCal Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers told Pomona Valley News.

Fact number one: Our nose is not just for looks. We have two nostrils for a reason, according to Science Focus. You notice when you have a cold you can still breath while one nostril is completely blocked (usually due to sinus allergies or inflammation of the sinuses) and 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 nostril every few hours.

Fact number two: Just like your eyelashes and eyebrows protecting against dust and debris from getting in our eyes, the nose is ground zero for every breath we take. According to Healthline, those tiny hairs in our nose are our body's way of protecting itself by blocking harmful pathogens and airborne particles from entering our respiratory system.

Fact number three: Science says breathing through your nose is not just better for your health, it can have substantial negative health consequences and even contribute to bad breath, according to Healthline. Mouth breathing, as it is referred to, dries out the mouth creating the proper environment for gingivitis and cavity development.

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

Fact number five: 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, according to Vox. When you’re suffering 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 of snot.

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 assessment quiz.