Neseborspredning

Neseborspredning is a term used in Scandinavian health literature to describe the dissemination of respiratory particles emitted from the nostrils during breathing, talking, coughing, or sneezing. It focuses on the nasal-origin component of droplet transmission and is commonly discussed alongside other routes of respiratory spread.

Etymology and usage: The word combines nesebor (nostril) and spredning (spread). In English-language sources, the term is rarely used; equivalent concepts are usually described as nasal-droplet spread or nasal aerosol transmission.

Mechanisms and factors: During exhalation, droplets and aerosols are expelled through the nostrils. The size of emitted particles influences travel distance and airborne persistence: larger droplets settle quickly, while smaller aerosols can remain suspended, especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces. Neseborspredning is affected by breathing patterns, nasal airflow, humidity, temperature, and room ventilation, as well as activity level (resting breathing vs. talking or coughing).

Relevance and measurement: In epidemiology, nasal droplet spread is considered when assessing transmission risk for respiratory pathogens. Researchers may visualize emission, use tracers, or model generation rates and dispersion patterns to estimate exposure in different settings.

Mitigation: Measures to reduce neseborspredning include wearing masks that cover the nose, improving ventilation and air filtration, maintaining physical distance, and practicing cough etiquette. Good general hygiene and environmental controls help limit nasal-droplet dissemination in communal settings.