Have you ever had the experience of having a stuffy nose on the right side in the morning, but then a while later the left side starts to bother you? In fact, the way your nose feels changes depending on the time of day, and this is actually due to the body's own mechanisms.
At the back of the nose, there is a membrane fold called the nasal septum that regulates the passage of air. This membrane does not always maintain the same condition on both sides. Due to the action of the autonomic nervous system, it repeatedly expands and contracts alternately on both sides every few hours. This is called the nasal alternation.
When this mucous membrane swells, it can temporarily feel like a stuffy nose. This is a normal physiological phenomenon that happens to everyone. It doesn’t happen even in the case of colds or allergies, so there’s basically no need to worry excessively.
However, if the nasal congestion persists for several days or if it is constant on one side only, or if it is so severe that it interferes with daily life, it may be due to conditions such as deviated septum or sinusitis. If you continue to experience these symptoms, consult an ear, nose, and throat specialist as soon as possible.
Dr. Takamatsu Shunyo
JIN TOKYO CLINIC Medical Supervision
President of the Medical Corporation Shoya Kensei Association
Specialist physician of the Japanese Otolaryngology Society
After graduating from the National University of Yamanashi School of Medicine (now Yamagata University), he joined the Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Tokyo.
In 2002, Takamatsu ENT Clinic was opened in Tama City, Tokyo.
Currently, we operate 20 clinics mainly in Tokyo, including ENT, dermatology, urology, pediatrics, internal medicine, and a surgical clinic.
JIN TOKYO CLINIC / JIN Tokyo Clinic
If a stuffy nose persists, it can lead to less sleep and difficulty concentrating on work or studying.
For those with concerns about their symptoms, please feel free to consult with us in Japanese to make everyday life a little easier.
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