The Real Reason Your Nose Runs in Cold Weather – A Natural Breathing Defense You Didn’t Know About

 

When it is cold your nose runs and this is never an indication that something is wrong. To warm and cool dry air and moisten its coldness, the body produces more mucus to get it to your lungs. It is in fact a potent protective mechanism that you have in this simple process which keeps your breathing system healthy in the winter.

This is because whenever you breathe in cold air, your nose at once commences the process of warming it. In order to avoid this, the nose boosts blood supply to the lining forming warmth that assists in conditioning the incoming air.

This type of warming causes more mucus to be released. The additional moisture combines with cold air and it becomes a more lung-friendly temperature and humidity level. With this effect of natural humidifying, your lungs would feel uncomfortable every time temperatures are lower.

Mucus of cold weather is also used as a protective filter. The dust, germs, and pollutants are more easily spread in winter. These particles are then stuck by the sticky mucus and the mucus prevents their movement further into your respiratory system. The use of this filtration process assists in maintaining the clearness of the lungs and decreases irritation.

The other cause of your nose being very sensitive in cold weather is to do with condensation. Easy breath exiting your body comes into contact with the cold air out there, and it condenses moisture towards your nostrils. This moisture mixes with natural mucus and it produces an effect of a runny nose which is typical of winter outings.

The body also reacts to drying up by producing more mucus. Cold air has minimum moisture and thus it can easily dry the nasal passages. The nasal mucus is a protective layer that is created to ensure that tissues are soft, healthy and functional to avoid irritation.

The effect is more pronounced during physical activity during cold weather. When you breathe quickly, you pump in more cold air in your nose and this makes the glands produce more mucus. This keeps the air that enters your lungs warm and moist even when you are exercising.

Cold-induced rhinorrhea is a phenomenon that is experienced by all age groups. It brings out the amazing capacity of the body to adapt immediately to changes in the environment.

Wearing a face covering, scarf or winter mask helps in suppressing this reaction. These coverings decrease the amount of mucus required since they warm the air that is inhaled by your nose beforehand. It is particularly useful in asthmatic individuals, those who are sensitive to sinus and those who are allergic to winter.

The knowledge of this process indicates the level of intelligence of your body in order to safeguard itself. The first point of defense is the nose which assures a safe, warm and filtered air is able to reach your lungs. This is just an inherent system of protection and increased production of mucus.

When the weather is cold your nose can run, but this is the work of the body really. It makes breath easy, keeps your lungs moist, and makes airflow easy that it doesn’t dry your throat; even in winter.