Nasal Cycle (en.wikipedia.org)

So in simple terms, does it mean whatever flows out of a running nose is produced by left and right sides which take turns. And change every few hours?

I love those knowledge i submissions!

I am very well aware of the nasal cycle personally. If I'm in a dusty environment for too long, I get an itchy, achy swelling high up in one side of the nasal cavities, and only on that side, until it changes after a few hours.

The first few times it happened was at 40 y/o, and at work in an office building. I mistook it for migraine, and was flummoxed when my migraine pills did not work. When I understood that the irritant was in the office air, I tried to take it up with people higher up but to no avail, so I had no choice but to quit that job.

Luckily, Aspirin (-type drugs: "NSAID") work against symptoms, but is not a long-term solution.

I have (at least partly) control over when this happens for me. If one of my nostrils is clogged (without any pathological reason) and I focus on it, I can open up my airways again quite quickly.

Sometimes I even hear a squeeky sound as the tissue inside the nose contracts.

Interesting. I’ve always thought that this was an uncommon defect in my body

Trying to sleep when you have a bad cold makes one overly aware of this cycle. It is bliss when the unplugged side gives way for air.