Quck answer
No, your nose does not have to be straight to work. The shape of your nose does not affect its functionality. The purpose of the nose is to filter, warm, and moisten the air we breathe, as well as to help us smell. It also plays a role in enhancing the resonance of our voice. While a deviated septum or other structural issues may cause breathing difficulties, they can be corrected through medical intervention. Ultimately, the functionality of your nose is not determined by its shape, but rather by its internal structures and overall health.
Have you ever observed the two sides of your face when looking in the mirror? For many individuals, the sides of their face are nearly identical. The nose acts as a division between the two sides. Were you aware that the inside of your nose also splits into two? It does! There is a piece of cartilage and bone known as the septum, which evenly divides the left and right sections of your nose. What happens when the septum is not straight?
The septum’s purpose is to regulate breathing. It directs the air you breathe into your sinuses and down into your lungs. It should divide your nose into matching halves, covered by a mucous membrane. However, this is not the case for many individuals. Over three-quarters of the world’s population have a deviated septum, meaning that the septum is off-center or crooked. An off-center septum causes one side of the nose to function less effectively than the other.
Having one side of the nose more blocked than the other can lead to breathing difficulties and nosebleeds. It can also result in dryness in the nose and mouth, facial pain, and loud breathing. Some of these problems may worsen with age, although some people with a deviated septum experience no negative effects.
There can be various reasons why someone has a deviated septum. In some cases, a child’s nose may develop that way before birth. Other times, a child’s birth can cause the septum to become crooked. Trauma to the face is also a possible cause. Many people are unaware of how they acquired a deviated septum. Doctors recommend measures such as wearing helmets during contact sports and using seat belts to prevent facial trauma.
Deviated septa (plural of septum) can lead to significant health issues. If someone experiences headaches, sinus infections, or interrupted sleep due to the issue, they may benefit from medical treatment. Doctors can prescribe medications to reduce swelling inside the nose. In some cases, surgery called septoplasty (SEP-toe-plas-tee) may be the best option. This surgery straightens the septum and, in a few cases, alters the shape and size of the nose.
How can you determine if you have a deviated septum? Sometimes, you can visually notice a crooked nose when looking in the mirror. Another test involves pushing on one side of your nose and breathing. Then, block the other side and try breathing again. Is there a difference in the nostrils and how easily you can breathe?
Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctors are experts in identifying these issues. They have specialized tools to examine the inside of the nose. If they believe the problem is severe enough, they may order x-rays of the facial bones. This type of test can definitively determine if you have a deviated septum. They can also provide information about potential treatments.
Have you or someone you know experienced difficulty breathing? Has there been any significant trauma to the person’s nose? Just for fun, try to determine if someone has a deviated septum based on their appearance or a breathing test.
Give it a Try
Our noses play a vital role in our lives! Let’s engage in some activities to learn more about this essential sensory organ and body part.
– Visit Kids Health website with a trusted adult to learn about the functions of a nose. Choose an activity from the site and write a short paper about what you’ve learned. Share your findings with your family and friends.
– Collaborate with a friend and find a mirror. Draw pictures of yourselves and discuss the unique features of your faces. Talk about the similarities and differences in your facial features.
– If you have a keen sense of smell, read an article about animals with exceptional noses. Write a paragraph comparing and contrasting how animals and humans perceive smells. Share your thoughts with a family member.
– Wonder Sources:
– Britannica Dictionary (accessed on January 5, 2023)
– Sparrow.org – Conditions: Deviated Septum (accessed on December 5, 2022)
– Cedars-Sinai Health Library: Deviated Septum (accessed on December 5, 2022)
– ENT Health: Deviated Septum (accessed on December 5, 2022)
– Mayo Clinic: Deviated Septum – Symptoms and Causes (accessed on December 5, 2022)
– Mayo Clinic: Septoplasty – About the Procedure (accessed on December 5, 2022)
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