Have you ever considered how complex and fascinating your nose really is? From its incredible ability to detect scents and aromas to its intricate network of nasal passages used for breathing, our noses serve us in so many amazing ways! Want to know more about noses? Read on!
All About Smell:
Our noses are our primary organ for sensing scents and aromas, containing millions of olfactory receptors to pick up even the faintest traces of fragrance in the air – from delicious food aromas to freshly cut grass, our noses provide us with new experiences every day!
Different Types of Smell:
There are two primary forms of smell, the sense of smell and gustation. Sense of smell refers to our ability to detect different odors without actually tasting them, usually accomplished through inhaling air through nostrils where it passes over olfactory receptors located within our nose that identify different aromas. Gustation on the other hand refers to tasting different flavors; this occurs when food particles or liquids come in contact with taste receptors located throughout our mouth and tongue connected directly with our brain which recognize sweet, sour, salty, and bitter flavors.
How Smell Affects Our Sense of Taste:
Taste and smell are intrinsically connected. Aromas from food travel through our nostrils when we eat, altering how we perceive flavor. Without being able to smell properly or having an allergy impending this ability, identifying various tastes may become harder; scent helps build stronger associations between taste and memory. For instance, baking cookies may bring back childhood memories or coffee aroma can remind us of weekend coffee dates.
Nasal Polyps:
Nasal polyps are small noncancerous growths in the nose and sinuses that are usually found among allergy or asthma sufferers. If they become large enough, nasal polyps can block airways limiting breathing. Medication such as corticosteroids may be prescribed, with surgery also being an option in certain instances to help improve smell and taste sensations. Becker ENT & Allergy experts suggest seeing an allergist for diagnosis and treatment of nasal polyps.
Nose Hygiene:
Proper nose hygiene can help maintain clear nasal passages and prevent infections; such as by washing with mild soap or saline solution, blowing gently, avoiding inserting anything up the nostrils, and keeping your hands away from the face in order to avoid spreading germs or bacteria into the nose. It’s essential to practice good nose hygiene if you want clear nasal passages and no infections occurring!
Health Benefits of Maintaining a Healthy Nose:
A healthy nose provides numerous health advantages. From improved breathing to protecting lungs by trapping dust particles and pollutants before they enter airways. Finally, having a well-functioning nose improves the sense of smell – crucial when it comes to detecting danger or warning signals!
Your nose is an integral component of overall health and should be treated as such. Taking good care now can ensure its continued wellness for years to come!
Featured Image By: Eli DeFaria on Unsplash
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