The nose and the nasal mucosa have an important role to play in breathing. They moisten and warm inhaled air, preparing it for the body before it enters the lungs. Cilia (tiny hairs) lining the mucosa filter inhaled air, preventing airborne particles such as dust, microbes, pollution and smoke from entering into the lungs. When the filtering action of the cilia is insufficient, the cells of the nasal mucosa produce mucus, a sticky liquid that traps impurities.
By conditioning and filtering the air, the nose acts as the body's first line of defense against external particles that are potentially dangerous to our body. If the nose is too dry and congested, it cannot function properly, increasing our vulnerability to colds, allergic rhinitis and sinusitis.