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As soon as the temperatures drop, it’s the same story: you start sniffling and wiping that runny nose. However, a runny nose is not necessarily a sign of disease, it is above all physiological. We explain to you.
No winter without a runny nose or increased consumption of tissues. If the phenomenon, called rhinorrhea, may seem painful and unglamorous, it is the result of a process of defense against the dry cold that grips you and is therefore completely normal.
What is the role of mucus in normal times?
You may not know it, but the thick, gelatinous, unsavory substance that lines the nasal passages and escapes from your nostrils does have a purpose: slime is there to humidify the air you breathe, which can attack and dry out your mucous membranes. It also acts as a barrier by slowing down all problematic particles such as dust or ambient viruses. These particles are evacuated thanks to the secretions by ciliated cells which act like a treadmill, through the throat, then the digestive system in a well-established system.
Why do we blow our noses more when it’s cold?
In fact, when it’s cold, the air you breathe in generally becomes drier, which causes your mucous membranes to produce more mucus in order to protect them. But this overproduction, although useful, eventually runs out: it’s the rhinorrhea and the handkerchief should never be far away.
A phenomenon which is also amplified when with the cold, the ciliates, the nasal cells which evacuate the mucus towards the organism are less effective. Note that people who also have a breeding ground for rhinitis will have more severe rhinorrhea.
That’s not all: when the temperatures cool down, the water vapor that we breathe out turns into condensation on contact with the air. A water, which added to the mucus, creates this effect of fountain in winter.
Unfortunately, there is no remedy for this little winter inconvenience. However, there are tips to deal with it:
- Drink regularly to deal with general dehydration;
- Use a salt water spray to maintain good nasal hygiene and moisten the mucous membranes;
- And of course, keep clean tissues available.
On the other hand, if this runny nose is accompanied by fever, body aches, sore throat, or cough, consult your doctor.