Learn More: Stuffy, Runny Nose
Nose Health 101
As gatekeeper to your respiratory system and home to your sense of smell, your nose plays a key role in good health and well-being.
What Goes On in There?
The inside of your nose (your nasal cavity) is lined with a thin mucous membrane and thousands of tiny hairlike structures called cilia. Together, they work night and day to make sure the air that reaches your lungs has been:
- Filtered (Cilia trap particles and sweep them out of your system.)
- Warmed to body temperature (Blood vessels in the mucous membrane heat the air as it travels through the nasal passages.)
- Moistened (The mucus in your nose moistens dry air and helps keep your nose clean.)
Any number of things, from pollen to polyps, can disrupt this system, and a stuffy or runny nose is a sign that something's not quite right. Read on to find out more about common causes of nasal discomfort.
Don't ignore your symptoms. The longer your nose is out of service, the more susceptible you are to developing a sinus infection, asthma, or other respiratory problems. Use these self-care tips for a healthy nose.
