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The Scientific Explanation: Why We Only Breathe Through One Side of Our Nose at a Time

2026-03-10 07:58:00, Shëndeti CNA

The Scientific Explanation: Why We Only Breathe Through One Side of Our Nose at

Many people notice that even when they are not sick, air seems to flow more easily through only one nostril. This is not a health problem, but a normal process of the body called the nasal cycle.

The nasal cycle is a natural mechanism in which the nostrils automatically alternate to dominate airflow. During the day, the body changes the dominant nostril about every two hours, while during sleep this change occurs less frequently due to the slower breathing rate.

This process has two main phases: blockage and unblocking. When one nostril is partially blocked, the other opens more and allows air to pass through. The nose that is open gets tired more quickly because the air can dry it out and expose it to germs, so the body switches their roles to give the tissues time to recover.

The nasal cycle is automatically controlled by the hypothalamus in the brain and plays an important role in protecting the respiratory system. Every day, about 12,000 liters of air pass through the nose, so the alternation of openings helps protect against pathogens, warm and humidify the air, and repair the nasal mucosa.

However, the normal functioning of this cycle can be affected by several factors such as colds, flu, allergies, excessive use of nasal decongestants, or structural problems such as nasal polyps or a deviated septum.

If one nostril remains blocked for more than two weeks or is accompanied by unusual secretions, specialists recommend consulting a doctor to rule out any more serious problems.

Experts emphasize that the nasal cycle is an essential process for the health of the nose and respiratory system, ensuring that the organ is constantly rested, hydrated, and protected from external factors./ CNA





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