Why is one nostril usually more blocked than the other?
Show answer & explanation
Answer: Your nose switches which side gets more airflow
One side traps more dirt — Wrong. Dirt can clog either side, but the usual side-to-side change happens even in healthy noses. Nasal tissue naturally swells and shrinks in turns.
One nostril is built smaller — Wrong. Small differences can exist, but the repeating blocked-then-open pattern is usually caused by the nasal cycle, not one side being permanently made to do most of the work.
Your nose switches which side gets more airflow ✓ — Correct! Most people have a normal nasal cycle. Blood vessels in the lining of one side swell while the other side opens more, then they switch. You notice it more when lying down, resting, or having a cold.
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