Nose

What is the nose?

Your nose, a structure that sticks out from the middle of your face, is the entrance to your respiratory system. It warms, conditions and filters the air you breathe. It also houses your olfactory organs, which give you your sense of smell.

Words that start with “naso-” (like nasopharyngeal) or “rhino-” (like rhinoplasty) usually refer to your nose. And if you develop a health condition that affects your nose, you’ll likely visit an otolaryngologist (ENT).

What does your nose do?

The human nose has many important jobs related to breathing and your sense of smell.

Your nose:

• Allows air to enter and oxygenate your body.
• Contributes to how you sound when you speak.
• Filters and cleans air to remove germs and allergens.
• Gives you a sense of smell.
• Warms and moistens air so it can move comfortably into your respiratory system.

What are the parts of your nose?

The outside parts of your nose (the parts you can see) consist of bone, cartilage and fatty tissue. They include your:

• Nasal root: The top part of your nose located between your eyebrows, where your nose connects to your face.
• Nasal apex: The bottom part of your nose that houses your nostrils and tapers off into a rounded tip.
• Nasal dorsum: The middle part of your nose, between your nasal root and nasal apex.

The inside of your nose has several complex structures, too, including:

• Cilia: These tiny, hairlike structures trap dirt and particles. Then, they move those particles toward your nostrils, and eventually out of your body. Cilia differ from nose hairs. You have them throughout your respiratory tract.
• Nasal cavities: These are hollow spaces where air flows in and out. You have two of them — one on each side. Mucus membranes line your nasal cavities.
• Nerve cells: These cells communicate with your brain and give you your sense of smell.
• Nose hairs: The hairs inside your nose trap dirt and dust that would otherwise end up in your nasal passages.
• Nostrils (nares): Your nostrils are holes that lead to your nasal cavities.
• Paranasal sinuses: These air-filled pockets connect to your nasal cavities. They produce the mucus that keeps your nose moist.
• Septum: This is the bone and cartilage that separate your nasal cavities. The lower part of your septum sits between your nostrils.
• Turbinates (conchae): These folds warm and moisten air after you breathe it in. They also aid in nasal drainage. You have three pairs of turbinates along each of your nasal cavities.

What do noses look like?

Noses are somewhat pyramid-shaped, and they come in all sizes. Your nasal bone and cartilage play a major role in your nose shape, which is as unique as you are.

What are the common conditions and disorders that affect your nose?

Nasal congestion is the most common condition affecting your nose. This happens when allergens or pathogens (viruses, bacteria, or fungi) cause inflammation of your nasal passages.

Other health conditions that can affect your nose include:

• Broken nose.
• Chronic sinusitis (viral, bacterial or fungal).
• Deviated septum.
• Hay fever (allergic rhinitis).
• Nasal polyps.
• Nasal valve collapse.
• Nosebleed (epistaxis).
• Saddle nose.

Common nasal signs and symptoms

Depending on what type of nasal condition you have, you might experience symptoms like:

• Cough.
• Loss of sense of smell (anosmia).
• Pain or pressure around your nose.
• Postnasal drip.
• Runny nose (rhinorrhea).
• Sneezing.
• Sore throat.
• Stuffiness.

What are the most common nose-related treatments?

Nasal endoscopy is one of the most common nose procedures. It helps healthcare providers diagnose and treat a wide range of nasal conditions like infections, blockages and polyps.

Other common nose-related treatments include:

• Balloon sinuplasty.
• Medications like antihistamines and nasal decongestants.
• Nasal polypectomy.
• Rhinoplasty.
• Septoplasty.
• Sinus surgery.
• Turbinate reduction.

How can I keep my nose healthy?

Nasal hygiene is an important aspect of health. Below are some tips to keep your nose and nasal passages in good condition:

• Avoid smoking or breathing in secondhand smoke.
• Don’t remove nose hairs, or do it carefully, because they filter dirt and debris.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Install a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter to remove allergens from your environment.
• Keep your home clean to reduce the amount of dust and other allergens you may breathe in. Wash your bedsheets to remove dust.
• Irrigate your nasal passages with saline spray or a neti pot. Spray saline into your nasal cavities to keep them clean and moist.
• Use a humidifier at home to keep the air moist.

When should I call my doctor?

You should tell your healthcare provider if you have:

• Concerns about the appearance of your nose.
• Frequent nosebleeds.
• Signs of infection (like fever or yellow or green nasal discharge).
• Sinus pressure or pain.
• Sleep disorders like snoring or sleep apnea.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

You use your nose every minute of every day. Still, you might not think about it much unless it stops working like it should. Blockages, congestion and other nasal conditions can make you feel miserable and keep you from fully enjoying the things you love. Taking good care of your nose can reduce your risk for certain health conditions and improve your overall well-being.