Why Do People Usually Get a Runny Nose When They Cry?

Update Date: 2025-02-22 Source: Network

Tears and Nasal Mucus During Crying: A Natural Phenomenon

The production of nasal mucus while crying is actually a very natural physiological phenomenon, rooted in the ingenious design of our body's structure. When we cry, the lacrimal glands secrete a large amount of tears, which not only flow out of the eyes but also enter the nasal cavity through the lacrimal canaliculus. This can be likened to a small "water piping system" for tears, where tears flow from the eyes into the nasal cavity, resulting in an increase in nasal mucus. Imagine the nasal cavity as a small reservoir that usually only needs to handle a small amount of "waterflow," i.e., normal nasal secretions. However, when you cry, the sudden influx of tears is like a downpour, forcing the reservoir to increase its drainage capacity, leading to an increase in nasal mucus. This situation is similar when you have a cold, as the nasal mucosa secretes more fluid to combat viruses.

Why do we cry? Crying is not just an emotional outlet; it is also a self-protection mechanism. Tears help clean the eyes by removing dust and irritants. Emotional crying is the brain's way of processing stress and emotions, helping us release emotions and relieve psychological pressure. From a health perspective, crying is not a bad thing. It aids in emotion regulation and provides psychological relaxation. The production of nasal mucus is the body's way of dealing with excess tears, which is also a normal physiological response. If there is too much mucus after crying, you can gently wipe it away with a tissue to keep the nasal cavity clean.

In life, we often cry for various reasons, whether it's due to a moving movie or small setbacks in life. Although having nasal mucus while crying can be a bit embarrassing, it reminds us that our body is helping us handle emotional and physiological changes. Next time you have nasal mucus, smile and face it, as it is also part of being healthy. Crying and nasal mucus are both natural reactions of our body, allowing us to better experience the nuances of life.