Nasal cycle

The nasal cycle is the natural process in which internal swelling inside the nose alternates from one side to the other. This happens regularly and is normal. Although many people do not notice it, the tissues inside the nose naturally congest and decongest in a repeating pattern, which can make one side feel more open while the other feels slightly more blocked at different times of the day.

This cycle is controlled by the normal function of the nasal lining and blood vessels. As one side of the nose becomes more swollen, the other side typically becomes less swollen, allowing airflow to shift back and forth. In a healthy nose, this is a normal physiologic process and usually does not cause major symptoms. However, patients may become more aware of the nasal cycle if they already have a deviated septum, allergies, turbinate enlargement, or other causes of nasal obstruction.

Understanding the nasal cycle is important because it helps explain why nasal breathing may seem to change throughout the day or night. What feels like sudden congestion on one side is not always a sign of illness or a permanent blockage. In many cases, it is simply the nose moving through its normal cycle. When structural or inflammatory problems are also present, the natural cycle can make those issues feel more noticeable.

For patients concerned about changing nasal airflow in Beverly Hills, understanding the nasal cycle can be helpful when discussing breathing symptoms and nasal function. Dr. Richard Zoumalan carefully evaluates the internal nasal structure and lining to determine whether normal cycling alone is responsible for the symptoms or whether an underlying blockage may also be contributing to difficulty breathing.