The space inside of the nose is shaped like a triangle and
is divided into 3 parts:

• Nostrils - openings of the nose
• Nasal Septum - divides the nostrils
• Nasal Passage – the space inside of the nose

Within each side of the nose are shelf-like structures called turbinates:
• There are 3 tubinates located on each side of the nasal passages
• The turbinates expand and contract to open or close each nasal passage.
• When the turbinates enlarge, it crowds the inside of the nose making it difficult to breathe freely through this space
• When the turbinates shrink, there is more space for the air to move through the nose, making it easier to breathe
• There are many complex forces at work that control this process, which is monitored by the central nervous system.

HOW THE NOSE FUNCTIONS:

• The sinuses and turbinates are lined with mucus producing tissue that is always making thin, watery mucus
• This watery mucus is swept out of the sinus and into the nose by tiny microscopic hair cells working like a conveyor belt to move the mucus backward in the nose and down into the throat where it is swallowed
• Mucus needs to be thin and watery for the nose and sinuses to function properly
• The Nose provides many important functions that include the ability to warm, moisturize and clean the air we breathe before going into the lungs
• Air streaming through the nose and sinuses helps to warm and moisturize the air we breathe
• Mucus produced by the nose and sinuses creates a wet surface within the nasal passage
• Particles in the air such as smoke, dust, pollen, viruses, bacteria and air pollution, cling to this wet surface inside of the nose
• The mucus is then propelled toward the back of the nose and on to the throat to be swallowed
• The particles in the air that stick to the mucus are then carried to the stomach, so it will be decontaminated by stomach acid
• If any part of the nose becomes blocked or obstructed, the mucus cannot move well through the nasal passageway.
• If the mucus cannot move well it becomes thick, making it more difficult for the mucus to progress to the back of the throat to be swallowed.
• When mucus becomes thick, children may have many symptoms, including: stuffy nose, thick mucus in the nose, dried mucus rocks, headache, thick nasal drainage dripping in the back of the throat and cough.