Understanding the Science behind Nasal Passages and Mucus Production

Why do we get runny noses in the cold?

When we are exposed to cold temperatures, our bodies go through a series of physiological responses to try and maintain our core body temperature. One of these responses is to constrict blood vessels in the nose, throat, and lungs. This constriction helps to preserve heat by reducing blood flow to these areas.

However, as the blood vessels constrict, the mucus membranes in our nose also become affected. These membranes produce a sticky fluid called mucus, which helps to lubricate and protect the nasal passages. In cold weather, the reduced blood flow causes these mucus membranes to become dry and inefficient in producing the right amount of mucus.

At the same time, cold weather often dries out the air we breathe, as it carries less moisture. Dry air directly affects our mucus membranes, making them even drier. This combination of reduced blood flow and dryness leads to the formation of thicker mucus.

As a protective mechanism, the body attempts to flush out this thickened mucus and any irritants present in the nasal passages by increasing the production of mucus. The excess mucus then accumulates and drips out of the nostrils, resulting in a runny nose.

It’s important to note that cold weather itself does not cause a runny nose. The cold temperature is just a trigger that sets off the body’s response to maintain heat, leading to the symptoms we associate with a runny nose.

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