nasal cycle

In pathological conditions, however, the nasal cycle may influence the symptoms.

The recuperation of the nose is achieved by a phenomenon known as the 'nasal cycle'.

The nasal cycle is an alternating one, with the total resistance in the nose remaining constant.

The nasal cycle's value becomes evident when one considers that the function of the nose is to warm, humidify, and filter nasally inspired air.

The nasal cycle is the unnoticeable alternating partial congestion and decongestion of the nasal cavities in humans.

In humans, the nasal cycle is the normal ultradian cycle of each nostril's blood vessels becoming engorged in swelling, then shrinking.

Ultradian rhythms, which are cycles shorter than 24 hours, such as the 90-minute REM cycle, the 4-hour nasal cycle, or the 3-hour cycle of growth hormone production.

In patients with a fixed septal deviation and intermittent nasal obstruction, the interplay of the nasal cycle becomes evident; the sensation of obstruction frequently mirrors the congestion phase.

In humans, the nasal cycle means that during the course of a day, the nostrils will switch over approximately every four hours or so, meaning that only one nostril is used at any one time.

The nasal cycle should not be confused with pathological nasal congestion: individuals with normal nasal breathing usually do not realize their breathing is asymmetric unless there is underlying nasal obstruction.

When the inferior turbinates are resected the nasal cycle can no longer fully congest the side of the nose where they were resected and therefore much of the natural recuperation capability on that side is lost.