As we breathe through our nose we not only filter the air we’re bringing into our bodies (our first line of defense against airborne viruses) but we are also activating potential benefits of Nitric Oxide. Nitric Oxide (NO) is a gas that is produced in the paranasal sinuses and has been shown to have anti-viral properties, specifically inhibiting the replication cycle of viruses (such as SARS) as well as increasing viral clearance. Research also has shown that humming and holding your breath can increase NO production. One of the known concerns with COVID-19 is that it attacks type-2 pneumocytes, a cell that produces surfactant. Surfactant is important because it helps with the elasticity of air sacs in the lungs, helps get oxygen to the blood and keeps the lungs from collapsing and/or swelling. Without surfactant the respiratory system will not function. It would make sense that increasing the amount of nitric oxide present in the airways will increase the anti-viral effects and support our natural resistance to infection. There are so many other benefits to nasal breathing and we will be digging in to this topic much more in the future!