Nasal cycle

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A CT scan showing evidence of the nasal cycle: the more patent airway is on the right of the image, the swollen turbinates congesting the left Concha nasalis.gif
A CT scan showing evidence of the nasal cycle: the more patent airway is on the right of the image, the swollen turbinates congesting the left

The nasal cycle is the unconscious [1] [2] alternating partial congestion and decongestion of the nasal cavities in humans and other animals. This results in greater airflow through one nostril with periodic alternation between the nostrils. It is a physiological congestion of the nasal conchae, also called the nasal turbinates (curled bony projections within the nasal cavities), due to selective activation of one half of the autonomic nervous system by the hypothalamus. It should not be confused with pathological nasal congestion.

Contents

Description

In the modern western literature, it was first described by the German physician Richard Kayser in 1895. [3]

In 1927, Heetderks [4] described the alternating turgescence of the inferior turbinates in 80% of a normal population. According to Heetderks, the cycle is the result of alternating congestion and decongestion of the nasal conchae or turbinates, predominantly the inferior turbinates, which are by far the largest of the turbinates in each nasal fossa. Turbinates consist of bony projections covered by erectile tissue, much like the tissues of the penis and clitoris. The turbinates in one fossa fill up with blood while the opposite turbinates decongest by shunting blood away. This cycle, which is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, has a mean duration of two and a half hours but varies widely with age, body-posture, and other conditions. [5] He further observed and documented that the turbinates in the dependent nasal fossa fill when the patient is lying down. The nasal cycle is an alternation in both time and between left and right sides, with the total resistance in the nose remaining constant. The asymmetric airflow may have some benefit to overall olfactory sensitivity. [6] 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. [6]

It is possible that the nasal cycle may exacerbate the nasal congestion caused by the common cold, as the lack of motility of the cilia in one half of the nose may lead to an uncomfortable sensation of not being able to shift mucus by blowing the nose.

Benefits for breathing

It has been shown that the cilia of the congested side suspend their motility until that side decongests. Thus the cycle ensures that one side of the nose is always moist, to facilitate humidification, which is one of the three functions of the nose, the other two being filtration and warming of inspired air prior to its entering the lungs. [6]

Benefits for olfaction

Some odor chemicals bind with olfactory receptors easily, even under conditions of high airflow, and other odors need more time, under low airflow conditions, to bind with receptors. With high airflow on one side and low airflow on the other side, the olfactory center detects a greater range of smells. [7] [8] [9]

Distinction

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. [1] In pathological conditions, however, the nasal cycle may influence the symptoms. [2]

Research on the effects

A 1994 study suggested that breathing through alternate nostrils can affect brain hemisphere symmetry on EEG topography. [10] A later study in 2007 showed that this cycle (as well as manipulation through forced nostril breathing on one side) has an effect on endogenous ultradian rhythms of the autonomic and central nervous system. [11] However, more recent research has shown no statistically significant association between spontaneously (i.e., not forced) dominant nostril and active brain hemisphere. [12]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nostril</span> Pair of orifices of the nose

A nostril is either of the two orifices of the nose. They enable the entry and exit of air and other gasses through the nasal cavities. In birds and mammals, they contain branched bones or cartilages called turbinates, whose function is to warm air on inhalation and remove moisture on exhalation. Fish do not breathe through noses, but they do have two small holes used for smelling, which can also be referred to as nostrils.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anosmia</span> Inability to smell

Anosmia, also known as smell blindness, is the loss of the ability to detect one or more smells. Anosmia may be temporary or permanent. It differs from hyposmia, which is a decreased sensitivity to some or all smells.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ethmoid bone</span> Bone of the facial skeleton

The ethmoid bone is an unpaired bone in the skull that separates the nasal cavity from the brain. It is located at the roof of the nose, between the two orbits. The cubical bone is lightweight due to a spongy construction. The ethmoid bone is one of the bones that make up the orbit of the eye.

Erectile tissue is tissue in the body with numerous vascular spaces, or cavernous tissue, that may become engorged with blood. However, tissue that is devoid of or otherwise lacking erectile tissue may also be described as engorging with blood, often with regard to sexual arousal.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nasal cavity</span> Large, air-filled space above and behind the nose in the middle of the face

The nasal cavity is a large, air-filled space above and behind the nose in the middle of the face. The nasal septum divides the cavity into two cavities, also known as fossae. Each cavity is the continuation of one of the two nostrils. The nasal cavity is the uppermost part of the respiratory system and provides the nasal passage for inhaled air from the nostrils to the nasopharynx and rest of the respiratory tract.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nasal concha</span> Piece of bone in the breathing passage of humans and other animals

In anatomy, a nasal concha, also called a nasal turbinate or turbinal, is a long, narrow, curled shelf of bone that protrudes into the breathing passage of the nose in humans and various other animals. The conchae are shaped like an elongated seashell, which gave them their name. A concha is any of the scrolled spongy bones of the nasal passages in vertebrates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Septoplasty</span> Corrective surgical procedure

Septoplasty, or alternatively submucous septal resection and septal reconstruction, is a corrective surgical procedure done to straighten a deviated nasal septum – the nasal septum being the partition between the two nasal cavities. Ideally, the septum should run down the center of the nose. When it deviates into one of the cavities, it narrows that cavity and impedes airflow. Deviated nasal septum or “crooked” internal nose can occur at childbirth or as the result of an injury or other trauma. If the wall that functions as a separator of both sides of the nose is tilted towards one side at a degree greater than 50%, it might cause difficulty breathing. Often the inferior turbinate on the opposite side enlarges, which is termed compensatory hypertrophy. Deviations of the septum can lead to nasal obstruction. Most surgeries are completed in 60 minutes or less, while the recovery time could be up to several weeks. Put simply, septoplasty is a surgery that helps repair the passageways in the nose making it easier to breathe. This surgery is usually performed on patients with a deviated septum, recurrent rhinitis, or sinus issues.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nasal septum deviation</span> Disorder of the nose

Nasal septum deviation is a physical disorder of the nose, involving a displacement of the nasal septum. Some displacement is common, affecting 80% of people, mostly without their knowledge.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nasal congestion</span> Partial or complete blockage of nasal passages

Nasal congestion is the partial or complete blockage of nasal passages, leading to impaired nasal breathing, usually due to membranes lining the nose becoming swollen from inflammation of blood vessels.

Mouth breathing, medically known as chronic oral ventilation, is long-term breathing through the mouth. It often is caused by an obstruction to breathing through the nose, the innate breathing organ in the human body. However, by the early 20th century, the term "mouth-breather" had developed a pejorative slang meaning connoting a stupid person.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Empty nose syndrome</span> Medical condition

Empty nose syndrome (ENS) is a clinical syndrome, the hallmark symptom of which is a sensation of suffocation despite a clear airway. This syndrome is often referred to as a form of secondary atrophic rhinitis. ENS is a potential complication of nasal turbinate surgery or injury. Patients have usually undergone a turbinectomy or other surgical procedures that injure the nasal turbinates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Middle nasal concha</span>

The medial surface of the labyrinth of ethmoid consists of a thin lamella, which descends from the under surface of the cribriform plate, and ends below in a free, convoluted margin, the middle nasal concha.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nasal cartilages</span> Supportive structures in the nose

The nasal cartilages are structures within the nose that provide form and support to the nasal cavity. The nasal cartilages are made up of a flexible material called hyaline cartilage in the distal portion of the nose. There are five individual cartilages that make up the nasal cavity: septal nasal cartilage, lateral nasal cartilage, major alar cartilage, minor alar cartilage, and vomeronasal cartilage.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Human nose</span> Feature of the human face

The human nose is the first organ of the respiratory system. It is also the principal organ in the olfactory system. The shape of the nose is determined by the nasal bones and the nasal cartilages, including the nasal septum, which separates the nostrils and divides the nasal cavity into two.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nose</span> Organ that smells and facilitates breathing

A nose is a protuberance in vertebrates that houses the nostrils, or nares, which receive and expel air for respiration alongside the mouth. Behind the nose are the olfactory mucosa and the sinuses. Behind the nasal cavity, air next passes through the pharynx, shared with the digestive system, and then into the rest of the respiratory system. In humans, the nose is located centrally on the face and serves as an alternative respiratory passage especially during suckling for infants. The protruding nose that is completely separate from the mouth part is a characteristic found only in therian mammals. It has been theorized that this unique mammalian nose evolved from the anterior part of the upper jaw of the reptilian-like ancestors (synapsids).

<i>Glanosuchus</i> Extinct genus of therapsids

Glanosuchus is a genus of scylacosaurid therocephalian from the Late Permian of South Africa. The type species G. macrops was named by Robert Broom in 1904. Glanosuchus had a middle ear structure that was intermediate between that of early therapsids and mammals. Ridges in the nasal cavity of Glanosuchus suggest it had an at least partially endothermic metabolism similar to modern mammals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nasal mucosa</span> Part of the mucus membrane lining the nasal cavity

The nasal mucosa lines the nasal cavity. It is part of the respiratory mucosa, the mucous membrane lining the respiratory tract. The nasal mucosa is intimately adherent to the periosteum or perichondrium of the nasal conchae. It is continuous with the skin through the nostrils, and with the mucous membrane of the nasal part of the pharynx through the choanae. From the nasal cavity its continuity with the conjunctiva may be traced, through the nasolacrimal and lacrimal ducts; and with the frontal, ethmoidal, sphenoidal, and maxillary sinuses, through the several openings in the nasal meatuses. The mucous membrane is thickest, and most vascular, over the nasal conchae. It is also thick over the nasal septum where increased numbers of goblet cells produce a greater amount of nasal mucus. It is very thin in the meatuses on the floor of the nasal cavities, and in the various sinuses. It is one of the most commonly infected tissues in adults and children. Inflammation of this tissue may cause significant impairment of daily activities, with symptoms such as stuffy nose, headache, mouth breathing, etc.

Rhinomanometry is a form of manometry used in evaluation of the nasal cavity. Rhinomanometry is a standard diagnostic tool aiming to objectively evaluate the respiratory function of the nose. It measures pressure and flow during normal inspiration and expiration through the nose. Increased pressure during respiration is a result of increased resistance to airflow through nasal passages, while increased flow, which means the speed of airstream, is related to better patency. Nasal obstruction leads to increased values of nasal resistance. Rhinomanometry may be used to measure only one nostril at a time or both nostrils simultaneously.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">David Shannahoff-Khalsa</span>

David S. Shannahoff-Khalsa is a researcher in mind-body dynamics. He has published widely in scientific journals and regularly presents full day courses at the American Psychiatric Association and other national and international conferences. Shannahoff-Khalsa has also published three books outlining his years of experience using Kundalini Yoga meditation as taught by Yogi Bhajan to understand and treat psychiatric disorders.

Nonallergic rhinitis is rhinitis—inflammation of the inner part of the nose—not caused by an allergy. Nonallergic rhinitis displays symptoms including chronic sneezing or having a congested, drippy nose, without an identified allergic reaction. Other common terms for nonallergic rhinitis are vasomotor rhinitis and perennial rhinitis. The prevalence of nonallergic rhinitis in otolaryngology is 40%. Allergic rhinitis is more common than nonallergic rhinitis; however, both conditions have similar presentation, manifestation and treatment. Nasal itching and paroxysmal sneezing are usually associated with nonallergic rhinitis rather than allergic rhinitis.

References

  1. 1 2 Josephson, J. S. (2006). Sinus Relief Now: The Ground-Breaking 5-Step Program for Sinus, Allergy, And Asthma Sufferers . Penguin Group. pp.  15. ISBN   978-0-39953-298-6.
  2. 1 2 Huizing, E. H.; de Groot, J. A. M. (2003). Functional Reconstructive Nasal Surgery. Thieme. p. 52. ISBN   978-1-58890-081-4.
  3. ↑ Kayser, Richard (1895). "Die exakte Messung der Luftdurchgängigkeit der Nase". Arch. Laryng. Rhinol. (Berl.) (in German). 8: 101.
  4. ↑ Cummings: Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery, 4th ed
  5. ↑ Kahana-Zweig, Roni; Geva-Sagiv, Maya; Weissbrod, Aharon; Secundo, Lavi; Soroker, Nachum; Sobel, Noam (2016-10-06). "Measuring and Characterizing the Human Nasal Cycle". PLOS ONE. 11 (10): e0162918. Bibcode:2016PLoSO..1162918K. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0162918 . ISSN   1932-6203. PMC   5053491 . PMID   27711189.
  6. 1 2 3 Thomas Hummel; Antje Welge-Lüssen (1 January 2006), Taste and Smell: An Update, Karger Medical and Scientific Publishers, pp. 12–, ISBN   978-3-8055-8123-3
  7. ↑ Sobel, Noam; Khan, Rehan M.; Saltman, Amnon; Sullivan, Edith V.; Gabrieli, John D. E. (1999-11-04). "Olfaction: The world smells different to each nostril". Nature . 402 (6757). Macmillan Magazines Ltd.: 35. Bibcode:1999Natur.402...35S. doi: 10.1038/46944 . ISSN   0028-0836. PMID   10573415. S2CID   4416272.
  8. ↑ O'Toole, Kathleen (1999-11-10). "Smelling roses: Your nostrils may part ways" . Retrieved 2015-06-26.
  9. ↑ Kruszelnicki, Karl (2000-11-01). "Nostrils smell differently 1". Australian Broadcasting Corporation . Retrieved 2015-06-26.
  10. ↑ Stancák A Jr; Kuna M (October 1994). "EEG changes during forced alternate nostril breathing". Int J Psychophysiol. 18 (1): 75–9. doi:10.1016/0167-8760(84)90017-5. PMID   7876041.
  11. ↑ Shannahoff-Khalsa, David S. (August 2007). "Selective Unilateral Autonomic Activation: Implications for Psychiatry". CNS Spectrums. 12 (8): 625–634. doi:10.1017/S1092852900021428. ISSN   1092-8529. PMID   17667891. S2CID   202071.
  12. ↑ Samantaray, S; Telles, S (2008). "Nostril dominance at rest associated with performance of a left hemisphere-specific cancellation task". International Journal of Yoga. 1 (2): 56–59. doi: 10.4103/0973-6131.43542 . PMC   3144611 . PMID   21829285.
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