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.

By conditioning and filtering the air, the nose acts as the body's first line of defence 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 things like colds.