NOSE-HOLE POLL

[PollCat]

When I close off the right side, it feels hard to breathe through the left, and the same happened when I closed off the left and tried to breathe through just the right - it felt difficult, with possible blockages. But breathing through both at the same time feels easy. I don't understand. Maybe there is a "the whole is greater than the sum of the parts" thing going on.

Kris, you may need to visit your local ENT specialist to see if there is something that can be done to clear up your nasal airways.

[Kris the Crone]

Kris, you may need to visit your local ENT specialist to see if there is something that can be done to clear up your nasal airways.

So this feeling of blockage through each nostril separately, even though it feels fine when I am breathing through both, is not normal?

Ever since I turned 63, every time I turn around I am hit with yet another unpleasant truth about my body. I want just one year (one month?) with no nasty surprises.

I just had a pulmonary function test, but it involved closing off both nostrils at the same time and breathing in and out through my mouth. I will get checked out by an ENT. It can't hurt.

[richb]

My left side has always been more restricted than my right side. I recently had septoplasty and turbinate reduction. After full recovery (about 3 months), my left side is still slightly more restricted than my right side. I sleep on my left side. You would think that my left side would clog more often than the right. not so. Left side usually stays open all night. Right side will clog if on my right for only a few minutes. Can't figure this one out. And yes, I use almost every trick in the book to keep my nostrils open. I was able to get off Afrin 3 months after the surgery. My nose will clear within 5 minutes after getting up if it does clog. Thanks Zonk for the good post above.

Rich

[WSHenry]

No difference for me now, but before APAP and periodic use of a saline nasal rinse, I used to breathe more clearly through my left nostril. I've had no blocked nasal passages for since APAP, even with an occasional sinus infection.

I'm a believer is APAP!

[SarcasticDave94]

I breathe equally well, or slightly restricted, always and equally thru both nostrils. I'm in a constant slightly congested state in warm and humid weather, thanks in part due to my new frienemy COPD. I constantly breathe thru nose and mouth or I don't feel like I'm breathing enough. Non-HAHA funny but the pulmonary duck says oxygen therapy isn't recommended because the duck "doesn't want me to look like an old person"!?!? Where did I put that mallet? POW!

IMO on left vs right: I'm a south paw, AKA left hand dominant, and very ironically, that places me more in my right mind usage than most.