I've noticed for the last couple of years that I only breath through my left nostril. When I plug it up I can barely breath through my right nostril. Is this normal? Should I have it looked at by a specialist?
2006-09-21 19:51:58 · 13 answers · asked by TotalSmashism 3 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
You could have a deviated septum. The septum is the piece of cartilage, or wall, that separates the nostrils. In some people it is crooked, or leans to one side and can cause nasal obstruction. Some people are born this way, others have had a blow to the nose or broken it before. A deviated septum needs surgical correction...it's very quick and easy and is done by an ENT, usually in an outpatient surgicenter, meaning you go home about an hour after the procedure.
You could also have chronic sinusitis, which can be caused by many things, most commonly structural abnormalities or allergies. Do you notice that if you lay down on your left side the obstruction switches sides? Usually if you are backed up with mucus this will happen.
Another possibility is nasal polyps. These are mostly of the time benign, grape-like growths inside your nose that can cause a feeling of blockage like you describe. They are easily removed by an ENT as well.
The last most common thing I can think of would hypertrophic turbinates. The turbinates are fleshy tissue located up inside your nostrils. The come from the opening of your sinus cavities and help to humidify the air you breathe in. In some people they are enlarged (due to allergies or being born that way) and obstruct the flow of air. These too can either be completely removed or partially cut to shrink them by an ENT doctor.
I would definitely recommend seeing an ENT. Most likely your problem is one listed above and they can all be effectively treated. If you see your primary chances are they'll just give you a pill and not look for the cause of the problem, only to end up referring you to an ENT anyway. Good luck!
2006-09-21 20:11:37 · answer #1 · answered by PuppetyDog 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Breathing Through One Nostril
2016-10-06 07:59:58 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is normal to breathe through one nostril. Usually nostrils then "change over". If you are concerned though, it may be an idea to get it all checked out.
I understand there are beliefs to what it means when you breathe through one nostril and it is an important part of some meditation practices
2006-09-21 20:04:54 · answer #3 · answered by Feline Female 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you're feeling little under the weather and one of your nostril seems to be plugged its perfectly normal. Otherwise you should really have it looked at. Wish you the best-and of course let us know how it goes eh.
2006-09-21 20:00:15 · answer #4 · answered by SJama 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
1
2017-02-15 22:49:57 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, by all means have it checked out. Could be anything from a misaligned nose to some sort of growth or swelling inside due to something. It will be better to get it done cause you do not want to suffer sleep apnea either from it.
2006-09-21 19:56:39 · answer #6 · answered by The_answer_person 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I have never heard that and I cant imagine why ...but you can look it up I know I breathe through both
2016-03-17 02:54:22 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is definitely not normal, I always used both sides except for when I have a cold.
2006-09-21 19:55:01 · answer #8 · answered by Vage Centurian 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I don't think that is normal and think you should see a specialist.
2006-09-21 19:53:22 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
nope, not normal. Go to a good ENT.
2006-09-21 21:10:38 · answer #10 · answered by WMR30 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋