Do you know which body part is easily affected by changing environment? Of course, NOSE. We talk about allergies and cold all the time. However, we do not talk about the part that is stuck in the middle of the face – The nose.
Nose is also an important organ of our body. Shape of nose helps to identify a person. It gives beauty to face. Apart from this physiologically it helps in breathing and removing toxins from the body. In addition to controlling humidity of the air you take in, it also filters out unnecessary substances. The air that we breath need to be filtered and cleaned, then air that is going in should be kept warm during cold and when the air is hot for the system it needs to be cooled down – all these various functions that need to happen before air reaches lungs are performed by nose. It also helps us to recognize the smell and all types of odors. It is the main olfactory organ.
Because the connection between the nose and lungs is so important, paying attention to problems in the nose is very important. Ignoring simple symptoms like sneezing, cold, runny nose, nasal discharge can aggravate lung problems and other problems too.
- Nasal congestion reduces the sense of smell.
- Because of nose blockage during cold, it is natural to breathe through mouth. Mouth breathing causes dry mouth, which increases the risk of mouth and throat infections and reduces the sense of taste.
- When we breathe through mouth, there is more chance of heavier infection due to pollution and germs that enters lungs through mouth. Dry cold air in the lungs makes the secretions thick, slows the cleaning cilia, and slows down the passage of oxygen into the blood stream.
- Asthma is another condition that can develop due to ignoring nasal allergies. It also makes asthma worse if you already have it.
Tips to take care of nose:
For dry nose: If your nose is dry, its various functions will be impaired. Try over-the-counter saline water or nasal mists and sprays to help maintain nasal health.
Reduce use of decongestants: Prolonged use of over the counter nasal decongestants may damage the cilia that clear the nose and sinuses. Decongestants can become addictive and actually cause nasal congestion to get worse. Decongestants help to unclog stopped up noses but do very little for runny noses and sneezing.
Pimples or acne: NEVER try to remove the pimples or acne which is developed inside the nose of around the nose and upper lip area. It can lead to severe infection that may spread to brain.
Nose pores: To get rid of nose pores and black heads use natural facial mask or steam. Steaming the face is an inexpensive and highly effective remedy for clogged pores. Fuller’s earth also helps to get rid of clogged pores.
Nasal hair removal: Men while manscaping nose hair that is sticking out or growing long inside the nose has to use proper tools. Or it may cause wounds followed by infections. Use a electric trimmer and a magnifying mirror to the trimming.
Nose bleeding: Many have this condition called nose bleeding. It happens due to bleeding of nose vessels. Infection, nose picking, trauma, allergy, high blood pressure, heredity are few reasons for nose bleeding. Avoid any type of blood thinning medicines. To stop nose bleeding follow one of these methods;
- Pinch all the soft parts of the nose together between the thumb and index finger.
- Press firmly toward the face – compressing the pinched parts of the nose against the bones of the face.
- Lean forward slightly with the head tilted forward.
- Hold the nose for at least five minutes. Repeat as necessary until the nose has stopped bleeding.
- Sit quietly, keeping the head higher than the level of the heart. Do not lay flat or put your head between your legs.
- Apply ice, wrapped in a cloth/towel to nose and cheeks.
Picking up the nose: Never pick the nose when you are alone or in public. Nose picking is a bad habit and it also unhygienic activity. Remove mucus or crusts by cleaning your nose with cotton swabs soaked in saline solution. In addition, do not poke the inside rim of your nose.
Nose kneading: This comprises 3 movements of rubbing the nose, scraping the nose and rubbing the summit of nose. This work out promotes the confined blood circulation, makes the nose skin moist and glistening, moistens the lung and averts common cold. How to nose knead? Rub the center joints of the thumbs touching each other until they become warm. Then, rub the 2 sides of the bridge of nose with the lukewarm middle joints for 24 times. This is the 1st movement. Chafe the nose bridge from the higher part to the lower part for 10 times. This is the 2nd movement. Massage the zenith of nose for 12 times correspondingly with the fingers of the both hands. This is the 3rd movement. This work out promotes the confined blood circulation, makes the nose skin moist and glistening, moistens the lung and averts common cold.
Stop smoking: Smoking is injurious to lungs. However, you may surely be surprised when hearing that smoking can damage your nose. Indeed, your nose can be irritated and the lining of the nasal passages can be damaged if you contact with a cigar, pipes, and other forms of smoking. So there is another reason to stop smoking!
Illness and treatments: When you have a runny nose, having a stuffy nose, turning to red color, breathing difficulty, take care of your nose immediately to avoid more serious problems. Seek doctor’s advice and check with your doctor about prescription medicines or OTC medicines. Remember to read the instructions or call your doctor. To avoid any negative results take all precautions that is needed before using OTC medicines.
Cover nose : Use a nose and mouth mask when you are traveling in an exposed vehicle like scooter or when you are walking in a highly polluted area. The dust and smoke can not only make your nose dirty but also contain harmful elements which will enter your nose to your lungs then cause unhopeful diseases.
Clean your home: Clean, organized home spaces fight the buildup of allergens and environmental irritants like pollen, dust mites and other forms of aerial irritants, all of which cause nasal congestion and sinus inflammation. If you have pets, make sure to groom them and keep them clean too.
Nose piercing: Be careful while piercing your nose. Make sure the piercing needle is properly sterilized and the person who is piercing knows how to pierce. Look for certificate and confirm about their skills. If there is any infection develops after piercing the nose – take proper measurement immediately. Do not apply makeup around your nose ring for few days as the skin surrounding the nose ring take time to heal.
Nose job: Nose job is where the people undergo surgery to modify the way their nose looks or in some cases, a medical problem that can cause the patient trouble breathing, may also necessitate a nose job. It is important to understand the recovery process if anyone undergoes this surgery. People often experience insomnia, difficulty in breathing, hemorrhage, depression or swelling. It may take long time to recover. Talk to your surgeon if you are thinking of getting a nose job done.
Losing sense of smell is surely a horrific experience. To maintain the health of your nasal structures follow these health tips. In addition, an ENT doctor can help you understand the importance of having healthy nasal structures. It is important to go for yearly check up of both nose and ears.
Source: www.werindia.com
