Where Does Snot Come From

Every year, a girlfriend and I have the same philosophical discussion about snot, as most attractive, intelligent single women do. We were curious as to where it comes from. As we enter winter again the discussion surrounding this topic is bound to come up once more. Each year we are irritated by the same runny nose that seems to supply an endless amount of mucus. The more you blow, the more it’s instantly replaced by an equal amount if not more. And if it’s not free flowing, it’s blocking up your nostrils causing you to have a stuffed nose as to where you can’t breath. So where does it all come from?

On a daily basis your nose makes more than a pint of snot. Though we do not notice it accept for when we are sick, it is always there. The mucus that is naturally produced is made up of 95% of water, salt, proteins, fats and carbohydrates. The mucus in your nose is there for a good reason. It is there to keep dirt, pollen and germs from making their way into your lungs and body. As we become sick with a cold or the flu, the nose begins to generate a surplus of snot in order to drive any germs away from entering the body or lungs. As long as the germs or bacteria continue to attack, the more you will notice that your sinuses will continually produce snot in order to drive them out of there. This is where the runny nose stems from. Though annoying, this prevention is to protect you from getting sicker than what you already are. But if too much mucus is produced it can build up behind swollen nasal passages. The swelling of the nasal passages is due to an increase in blood flow to the nasal area that is the handy work of your immune system sending out an army of white blood cells to fight the infection in the nose. This is what causes the dreaded stuffy nose.

There’s really no way of getting rid of your runny nose and stuffiness other than getting rid of the germs. Blowing your nose is one of the most effective ways of trying to make breathing a bit easier for yourself. Not only that, but it helps rid your body of the germs that are carried out along with the mucus. But there is an argument out as to whether or not blowing the nose repeatedly can cause negative consequences such as an acute sinus infection. It is said that the pressure that results from the force of blowing your nose can cause the germ toting mucus to go into your sinuses. Evidence has been inconclusive on that so far. Another way to rid a stuffy nose can be to increase the humidity in your room in order to loosen up your sinuses and help the mucus to remain a thin liquid consistency; making it easier to blow. Medicinally one can treat these nasal nuisances with either a decongestant or antihistamine. Decongestants can be used for de-clogging your nose by reducing the swelling of your nasal passages and antihistamines can be used for helping with runny noses by decreasing the production of mucus. Other ways to fight a stuffed nose is inhaling steam from a hot shower, Vicks Vapor rub, nasal decongestant sprays and staying hydrated. Also, keeping the head elevated can help you breathe a little better doing those restless non-breathing nights.

So there you have it. Though still a nuisance it all make sense as to why our nose becomes so clogged with mucus. Since it seems no cure for the common cold will be invented any time soon snot is all we got. So as you pull one more tissue keep in mind that its soon-to-be contents is all for the greater good. Happy blowing and God bless you in advance.