Have you ever wondered why you get a runny/cloggy nose when you cry ? Here's why

Have you ever wondered why your nose gets all stuffy when you cry? Well, let's demystify the science behind it!

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Tears and Emotions

First things first, let's talk about tears.

Okay, when we cry, our eyes release these water droplets called tears. Tears are more like a fluid that comes to the rescue when we're feeling strong emotions, like happiness, sadness, or even when we yawn.

Now, Tears are not just salty water; they're a complex mixture of water, mucus, proteins, and oils. These components work together to keep our eyes moist and maintain a clear vision. Interestingly, tears also contain lysozyme, an enzyme with antibacterial properties, contributing to the eye's defense against infections.

The Watery Adventure

Now, picture this: when you cry, your eyes produce lots of tears. These tears contain special substances that help to protect and clean your eyes. Imagine these tears going on a wild water ride down your face!

As tears stream down your face, they carry away debris, dust, and even some microbes that might have found their way into your eyes. This cleansing action helps maintain the health and clarity of your vision, turning tears into miniature cleaning crews for your eyes.

As our tears go on this adventure, they don't just stay in our eyes. Some of them travel down tiny channels that connect our eyes to our noses. It's like a secret passage for tears to make their way down.

These channels, known as tear ducts or lacrimal ducts, act as a drainage system for excess tears. They lead the tears down into the nasal cavity, creating a connection between the eyes and the nose that plays a crucial role in this physiological phenomenon.

The Congestion that comes with the waterworks

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Now, here comes the exciting part! The tears that travel down to your nose bring with them some of those special substances we mentioned earlier. These substances can sometimes irritate the sensitive skin inside your nose. It's like a surprise attack on your nose!

The proteins, oils, and enzymes in tears can be a bit overwhelming for the delicate nasal tissues. This can trigger an inflammatory response, causing the blood vessels in your nasal passages to expand. As a result, your nose becomes congested, and you may experience that familiar stuffiness when you cry.

Defense Mechanism

In response to this invasion, your nose goes into superhero mode and tries to protect itself. It produces extra mucus to trap those irritating substances and prevent them from causing harm. This extra mucus is what makes your nose feel congested or stuffy.

Mucus, often considered a nuisance, plays a vital role in protecting your respiratory system. It acts as a sticky barrier, trapping particles and microbes, thereby preventing them from reaching your lungs. So, when your nose senses a potential threat from the substances carried by tears, it amps up mucus production to fend off the intruders.

The Grand Finale

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So, in summary, when you cry, the tears take a wild journey from your eyes to your nose. The substances in those tears can irritate your nose, triggering it to produce extra mucus for protection. And voila! That's why your nose might feel a bit stuffy when you cry.

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Okay, that will be from my side on uncovering the mystery behind why our noses get congested when we cry. Remember, science is everywhere, even in our tears! Let's keep discovering the wonders of the world around us together one question at a time.

I hope the content of this post has satisfied your curiosity. For more information, check the references/ additional resources below 👇

Thanks for reading

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References/Resources Consulted

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• https://www.self.com/story/the-real-reason-you-get-a-runny-nose-when-you-cry
• https://www.sciencefocus.com/the-human-body/why-do-we-get-a-runny-nose-after-we-cry
• https://www.nysinuscenter.com/2011/01/when-it-all-ends-in-tears/
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/160665
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6201288/
• https://www.justanswer.com/medical/5e6er-whenever-cry-become-so-congested-can-t-breathe.html

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Credit

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