I Apparently Breathe Only Out of One Nostril-- What to Do?

Updated on February 17, 2012
F.M. asks from Portland, OR
6 answers

I have been practicing breathing to relax and realized that, for the longest time, I have only really breathed out of my right nosril. I don't have a cold and I am not stuffed up. Whenever I breathe in a deep breath, my right nostril pulls in, but my left never does. It isn't a big problem, but I was just wondering if it is a cause for concern or if there is anything that I can or should do.

Thanks!

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More Answers

C.O.

answers from Washington DC on

have you ever tried using a sinus rinse system? I don't like Netti pots but I do use the bottle - it helps with my allergies and my breathing.

I would also go to an ENT to see if you have a deviated septum. That causes nasal passage closure as well.

3 moms found this helpful

B.C.

answers from Norfolk on

If it doesn't bother you, then it's not a problem.
You could see an ENT (ear, nose. throat) doctor.
He/she'll take a look at your sinuses, check for deviated septum (very common) and polyps, etc.
I had difficulty breathing through my nose for 10 years and had developed a dependence on Afrin.
When I went to an ENT they got me off the nose spray but I still could not breathe well.
I had some very narrow nasal passages and a deviated septum.
The least little irritation (pollen, dust, etc) and I could not breathe through my nose at all.
So I had surgery and they trimmed my turbinates, straightened my septum and I've been fine since then.
I still get a sinus infection from time to time but it clears up easily and I've been told by the last ENT I saw that my sinuses are now beautiful and perfect.

3 moms found this helpful

Y.C.

answers from Orlando on

It could be just the way your body is, but it could also be a sign of something else like sinus.
Let me tell you, this winter I thought I was so lucky because I barely got sick, I just had a lot of mucus (sorry tmi) then it all stop, only that I couldn't breath right, but I didn't do anything because I never really got sick.
Well, since yesterday I start having horrible sinus pain, I never knew I lower my head so much and so often until I got this point.
Now, I am on medications.
So I would suggest to just got it check in case it is a building sinus, because believe me you don't want to let it get as bad as mine.

2 moms found this helpful
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M.W.

answers from Chicago on

I have the same thing...it is called a deviated septum....It is probably more noticable when you are sick....I use nasal strips to open the nostril. There is a surgery for it....but I have heard that the surgery/recovery is worse than the problem...and can lead to more problems....Good Luck

2 moms found this helpful

L.M.

answers from Dover on

Check w/ your doctor. You may have a deviated septum or enlarged turbinite (gland on the outside nostril). I have allergies so both mine were enlarged and when they checked, they found I also had a deviated septum on one side.

1 mom found this helpful
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L.F.

answers from Chicago on

Another vote for "you probably have a deviated septum". I have one too. I had surgery for it when I was 16, but within a few years, it was back to being deviated, but to a smaller extent. No real cause for concern. Just use the Breathe Right strips at night if you have problems sleeping.

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