The common reason for one nostril appearing larger than the other is due to an uneven nasal septum.
What is a Nasal Septum?
The nasal septum is the wall of cartilage and bone that divides the nasal cavity into two nostrils. Ideally, this wall would be perfectly straight, resulting in equal-sized nostrils. However, this is rarely the case.
Uneven Septum Explained
- Common Occurrence: An uneven or crooked septum is incredibly common. In fact, most people have some degree of unevenness.
- Size Difference: This unevenness causes one nostril to be naturally wider, and thus appear bigger, than the other.
- Deviated Septum: When the unevenness is severe, it’s called a deviated septum.
Health Implications of a Deviated Septum
While a slightly uneven septum is normal, a severe deviation can lead to health complications. According to the reference:
Many people have an uneven septum, which makes one nostril larger than the other. Severe unevenness is known as a deviated septum. It can cause health complications such as a blocked nostril or difficulty breathing. An uneven septum is very common.
Here's a breakdown of what this means:
- Blocked Nostril: The deviated septum can obstruct one nostril, making it difficult to breathe through that side.
- Breathing Difficulty: This blockage can lead to overall difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity or when dealing with congestion.
Summarized in a Table
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Nasal Septum | The wall dividing the nasal cavity into two nostrils. |
| Uneven Septum | A common condition where the septum is not straight, causing nostrils to appear different sizes. |
| Deviated Septum | A severe form of uneven septum that can cause breathing problems. |
| Health Issues | Blocked nostrils, difficulty breathing. |
Conclusion
In summary, the primary reason one nostril appears bigger than the other is because of an uneven nasal septum. This is a common condition and may only become a problem if the septum deviation is severe.
