If you thought your nose existed purely for picking and smelling, you’re wrong. The nose — aside from being able to do cool things like detect one trillion different odors and trigger past memories — can tell you a lot about your overall health. Below you’ll find some ways the characteristics of your nose can reveal specific things about your wellness.
The Inner Nose Speaks Volumes
Physicians check out the interior of your nose for a reason during routine check-ups. The color of your nasal membranes is the first thing doctors examine; it should be a pink color. If your nasal membranes are blue, pale, or appear swollen, it’s likely you may have allergic rhinitis or some form of nasal allergy that causes inflammation. Red nasal passages, meanwhile, usually indicate infection. When you’re feverish and your nose is tender along its bridge, your doctor may suspect you have a bacterial infection in your sinuses.
Bacteria In Your Nose Can Tell If You’re Skinny Or Fat
One study wanted to find out if nasal and throat bacterial colonization were linked to body height, body mass index (BMI), and attractiveness. It found that heavier men actually had more “potentially pathogenic” types of bacteria in their nose when compared to males who were thinner and more “traditionally attractive.” So the amount of bacteria in your nose could have something to say about your BMI.
The Shape Of Your Nose May Determine Your ‘Quality As A Mate’
Another recent study found that having a nice, attractive nose can be an indicator of your fitness and quality as a mate — natural selection at its best.