Ever noticed that a blocked nose means you’re constantly breathing more heavily through one nostril than the other?

To open one side of your nose and shut the other, your body swells tissue with blood. And the reason is little known.

It emerges your nose and your sexual organs are fundamentally connected as both contain identical erectile tissue.

Australia-based scientist Dr Karl Kruszelnicki noted that the sensation of one side of your nose being blocked and uncomfortable, while the other side is congested, is due to “nasal anatomic makeup”.

Dr Karl shared this insight on his Triplej radio show when a listener with a cold enquired about one-sided nasal blockages, according to PlymouthLive.

He told the caller that the “erectile tissue in your nose is on a constant cycle that helps with the flow of nasal air and your sense of smell”.

Essentially, your nostrils divide the workload.

Throughout the day, one nostril breathes, allowing the other time off, switching every few hours.

Your autonomic nervous system – which manages things like digestion and heart rate – takes control.

And it’s the identical tissue type found in the penis and clitoris that governs the opening and closing of your two nasal passages.

They expand and contract. Of course, your nose doesn’t become aroused, but when you’re ill, the sensation of blockage is heightened.

You become more aware of the congestion and your usual nasal cycle becomes more pronounced due to inflammation.

It’s not just about effort.

The operation of your nose is not merely to give your nostrils a rest. It also maintains a keen sense of smell by ensuring our scent receptors function in unison.

Certain odors are more effectively detected through a ‘fast working’ airflow, while others are better processed through a ‘slow working’ one. Consequently, having nasal passages with varied airflow speeds aids in enjoying flavorful dishes, like the delectable pie or savory quiche you prepared for your friend Simon.

Alternating congestion also allows the mucus and cilia (the minuscule hairs in your nose) to take a break from constant air exposure. This alternation helps prevent the lining of your nostrils from becoming dry and cracked.

Tips to soothe your airways

There exist several straightforward techniques that specialists claim will provide relief by calming your inflamed airways.

Stay well-hydrated: Consuming fluids helps thin mucus and lessens your cough reflex. It also keeps mucus membranes moisturized, which is especially helpful during winter when indoor environments are typically warm and dry.

Add moisture to the air: Dry air can be irritating, so a humidifier will also help ease congestion. However, if you don’t clean humidifiers thoroughly after every use they can become breeding grounds for fungus and mould which they then pump into the air, exacerbating coughs further. Bowls of water or damp towels placed on a radiator make for a safe, cheap alternative to plug-in humidifiers.

Have a steamy shower: The heat can loosen secretions in your nose which can ease a cough. Try putting a few drops of eucalyptus or menthol oil on the shower wall (but never directly onto your skin) to boost the effect.

Sucking cough sweets can help, says the American Chemical Society. They stimulate the production of saliva which soothes your irritated throat. But any boiled sweets will have the same effect.

Sipping hot drinks: A warm cuppa combines the steam effect for thinning mucus with throat-soothing effects. Many people particularly swear by honey and fresh lemon in hot water.

Keep a glass of water handy, day and night: Sipping water can help thwart a coughing fit, and the sooner you can stop one the better. Continually coughing irritates your airways further, making your cough last longer.

Cough-proof your home

Sleep with extra pillows: When it comes to a night-time cough, gravity is the enemy. All the mucus you would normally swallow during the day flows back and irritates your throat as you lie down.

Keep the air inside your home irritant-free: Air fresheners and scented candles may seem harmless, but for some people they can cause sinus irritation which produces extra mucus that leads to even more coughing. The worst irritant in the air is smoke, so avoid cigarettes and any areas where there are smokers.

Stay inside in the warm as much as possible: Cold air can exacerbate a cough. So if you have a cold or other respiratory infection avoid being outside for too long.

What’s causing my cough?

Although most coughs at this time of year are virus-related, there are several other types of cough it pays to be aware of.

They can be a warning sign that you have an underlying condition such as asthma, heartburn or even cancer.

Cause: An irritating night cough is often the first sign of asthma, especially in children, but you can develop it at any age.

Treat it: Talk to your GP – typically the first thing they will recommend is a blue ‘reliever’ inhaler, which releases medication to open the airways.

Heartburn.

Symptom: A ‘throaty’ cough following a meal, and sometimes waking you at night, often leaving a nasty acid taste in your mouth.

Cause: Acid reflux (heartburn) occurs when stomach acid flows back up the oesophagus, irritating the throat and triggering a cough. Large or rich meals late at night are triggers.

Treat it: If it’s occasional, a simple over-the-counter indigestion treatment will reduce the production of stomach acid. If it’s frequent, see your GP.

Whooping cough.

Symptom: Uncontrollable coughing fits, which may produce a ‘whoop’ sound.

Cause: This highly contagious disease has been on the rise again in recent years. A vaccine is given to babies and pregnant women.

Treat it: Babies and young children are at the highest risk of severe complications and if they do succumb need close monitoring and often antibiotics.

Medication cough.

Symptom: A persistent, dry cough that often worsens at night.

Cause: ACE inhibitors, a common medication used to manage high blood pressure, can lead to a chronic cough in up to 20 percent of patients.

Treat it: If you suspect your cough began after starting this medication, discuss alternative options with your GP.

Worrying new cough.

Symptom: A fresh cough lasting more than three weeks – particularly in smokers.

Also be aware of – coughing up blood, breathlessness, weight loss, fatigue or chest pain.

Cause: Anyone experiencing any of the above symptoms should immediately consult their GP as these could indicate lung cancer – the third most prevalent cancer in the UK.

Smoking is responsible for 90% of cases.

Treat it: Once detected by X-ray, treatment may involve a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.