How Your Nasal Passages Work: The Nose's Daily Filtering Job

More than a breathing tool

Most people think of the nose as a pipe for air. It is closer to an air-handling unit: every breath is filtered, warmed and humidified before it reaches the lungs, and the nose does this thousands of times a day without being asked.

The mucosal lining: your air filter

The nasal passages are lined with a moist tissue that produces mucus. Dust, pollen, pollution and other airborne particles stick to it rather than travelling further. The lining works best when it is moist, which is why dry air makes the nose feel worse.

Cilia: the clean-up crew

Millions of microscopic hair-like structures called cilia beat continuously, moving the mucus and everything trapped in it toward the back of the throat, where it is swallowed or cleared. This runs around the clock, including while you sleep.

Nitric oxide

The lining of the nose and sinuses also produces small amounts of nitric oxide, a molecule your body makes for many purposes. Humming raises nasal nitric oxide measurably — more in Nitric Oxide and Your Nose.

What modern life does to it

City pollution, climate-controlled buildings, long flights and crowded transport all mean more particles and drier air than the nose is built for. None of it is dramatic; it is a heavier daily workload.

Daily care

• Breathe through your nose where you can.
• Stay hydrated and humidify dry rooms.
• Cleanse daily. NOWONDER™ nasal spray (also known as Enovid) releases nitric oxide as it is sprayed and cleanses and refreshes the passages. Use 2 sprays in each nostril before or after visiting crowded places. Per the label, NOWONDER™ may be applied 3 to 4 times daily, or up to 6 times daily as needed.

Frequently asked questions

What do the nasal passages do?
They filter airborne particles with mucus and cilia, warm and humidify air, and produce small amounts of nitric oxide.

What is the mucosal lining?
The moist tissue lining the nose. It traps particles and needs moisture to work well.

How do I look after my nasal passages?
Nasal breathing, hydration, humidified rooms and a daily cleansing routine such as NOWONDER nasal spray.

Looking for Enovid nasal spray? Shop all pack sizes with free worldwide shipping — now available as NOWONDER™ in the US.