Mainly that what I've always assumed is correct - I have very small and mostly non-functional nostrils.
Here's how I always knew this-
1. I have a poor sense of smell. You know when you're in a car with a few other people and all the sudden, all at once everyone says "ewww" and plugs their noses because you just came upon a skunk? I'm the special one who is sitting there completely oblivious. Didn't notice. If I try hard, I can detect a scent much fainter than reality.
2. By nature I'm a mouth-breather. I'll often catch myself, mouth agape. It's not just if I have a cold; it's a lifestyle.
And these two go hand-in-hand because, you guessed it, my nose doesn't work right. Mouth-breathing is just a more efficient way for me to get air. And it's not just the roadkill I can't smell, it's also the fresh-baked cookies, the Christmas tree, perfume or cologne.
If I breathe in really sharply through my nose, only my left nostril will collapse, indicating that it is bringing in air. My right nostril is almost completely non-functional - it will remain normal, round, totally unaware of the breathing goal, and there will be NO air intake on that side. It was funny the first few times I noticed this, now I worry there is some kind of blockage in there. In my mind, my left lung is normal but my right lung is shriveled up because no air enters on that side.
But the neti-pot doesn't lie. For those not familiar, I present this: http://www.himalayaninstitute.org/netipot/netipotgateway.aspx
(watch the video and thank me later)
The water goes out the neti-pot spout, into one nostril, then streams effortlessly out the other, carrying allergens and debris with it. Except when I use it.
When I use the neti-pot the water sputters and slowly dribbles out the other nostril, a couple drops at a time. Oh, but the first time used it (and still if I'm not careful) the water will actually come out my mouth. The water can't even find its way through my non-existent nasal passages! It's worse when the neti-pot is pouring into the left nostril and out of the right. That right side is just a little slow.
I'm hoping that with repeated and consistent use of my neti-pot I'll be able to "stretch" my nostrils to normal size. Before you know it I'll be able to breathe in with my mouth closed AND I'll be able to smell skunks! I can't wait.
HAHA this made me laugh so hard Lauren! You're not alone, only I have sinus issues the opposite way. I can smell things like a freaking bloodhound, even through congestion. Who farted? Where is that cigarette smoke coming from? I KNOW there's mold in this damn bathroom! Consider yourself lucky to have a cute little nose.
ReplyDeleteI too am a neti pot believer. I actually have the squeeze bottle version, the Neil Med Sinus Rinse. I find it helpful in speedily rinsing the nasal cavity. It has been a huge help during pregnancy too since you are very limited in what cold medicines you can take. It prevented me from getting sinus infections several times. I did learn however, make sure as hell you mix the solution in before you rinse! I put the water in and walked away to do something, came back and forgot I hadn't added the saline. I squirted away and ooh that burned!! My sinuses are quirky in that on occasion instead of draining out of my nose or mouth, saline will shoot out of my EYE! Now that is hot.
-Erin T.
Neti pot for the win! Best way to stay healthy in my opinion..
ReplyDeleteWait, it burns when you DON'T add saline?? I was worried it would burn if I added too much! I got the neti-pot brand salt that is specifically made for the neti-pot. It is probably just the same thing as table salt but I'm afraid something very bad will happen (like nose falling off) if I use table salt...
ReplyDeleteGetting the neti-pot water to squirt out your eye would be a pretty kick-ass party trick. I'm sort of envious.