The Know About The Nose

When you think about your nose, what comes to mind? Sense of smell? Breathing? Although the nose takes a leading role in both of those answers, there is so much more! Here are some simple, yet fascinating facts, everyone should know about their nose:

Your nose is an air filter

The nose helps filter and humidify the air you breathe while it travels to the trachea and the lungs. The nostrils are lined with small hairs that are able to block dust, germs, and other irritants from entering the body. The turbinates inside the nose are able to warm and humidify the air which protects lung tissue. In some people, the turbinates can become enlarged and obstruct airflow, which can cause congestion.

The nose is a self cleaning system

The sinuses, the large air filled passages in the face and head, are lined with cells that have cilia. Cilia are tiny hair cells which push mucus to the natural openings of the sinuses into nose. Obstruction of the small passages can lead to sinus infections. Doctors can now open the passages with small balloons. This can be done without going to a hospital.

Your nose can identify over 10,000 scents

When your nose picks up a scent, that scent drifts over olfactory sensors in the nasal cavity. Olfactory sensors then trigger chemical signals to your brain, which is able to register the scent- similar to someone filing a folder in a filing cabinet. Humans are born with millions of receptor cells, but that number decreases with age. Older adults and the elderly are less sensitive to smells.

The doctor of the nose is called an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) physician

In other words, an Otorhinolaryngologist. According to Melbourne FL ENT doctor Dr. James Go, deviated septums and enlarged turbinates are some of the commonly seen issues with the nose. The septum divides the nose into two sides, and sometimes these sides can become uneven due to birth defect or injury. A deviated septum can reduce airflow, and can allow a nasal cavity to be more susceptible to congestion. Depending on how serious the deviated septum is, an ENT can prescribe a decongestant, antihistamine, nasal steroid sprays, or even surgery to repair the nasal cavity structure.

For more information on your nose health, or if you have questions about treatment options and any other non-emergency ear, nose, or throat concern, Dr. Go can be seen at his office located at 2290 West Eau Gallie Blvd., Suite 110, Melbourne, Florida 32935 or reached at 321-421-7555.