Why your nose runs in cold weather, scientists explain
Why our noses start to run in winter (photo: Getty Images)
During the cold season, almost everyone has experienced the unpleasant effect of a runny nose outdoors – the nose just starts to run, which can be incredibly irritating. If there's wind or high humidity, a cold is practically guaranteed. However, once a person enters a warm, dry environment, it stops. Scientists say this bodily reaction is completely normal, explains IFL Science.
According to scientists, a runny nose outdoors is a completely normal, albeit quite harsh, body reaction to a temperature change. It indicates that your nose is doing its job.
When we breathe in cold air, our nose tries to warm and humidify it before it enters our lungs. This is achieved by the expansion of blood vessels in our nasal passages, which increases blood flow and generates more heat.
However, to add moisture, the same process stimulates the production of mucus from our nasal glands. When it's cold and windy, our nose can become a bit overwhelmed by this process, producing too much mucus, which then starts to drip.
This mucus mixes with the condensation from our exhaled breath or even moisture from the air, making the flow even more noticeable. We reach for tissues as our noses literally begin to run.
Windy weather can also cause our eyes to tear up as they become irritated. This prompts them to produce an excess of tears, which then flow down our face through small ducts at the corners of our eyes, right next to our nose. The tears drain into our sinuses and then into our nostrils, mixing with the excess mucus, creating even more watery discharge.
These mechanisms are a normal part of our body’s adjustment to temperature changes. Between 50% and 90% of people experience a runny nose during a cold, but some people are more prone to it than others – for example, those with asthma, eczema, and hay fever may experience it more intensely.
Dealing with this winter issue is simple – always carry tissues or a handkerchief. Wearing a scarf can also help, as it warms the air before it reaches our sensitive nose.
Some studies show that anticholinergic (drugs that block nerve signals) and anti-inflammatory nasal sprays can help. However, it’s important to consult with a doctor before using such medications.
Earlier, we reported on how much water women and men actually need to drink per day.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
