How is snot produced in the body

Their primary function is to warm the air you inhale to body temperature and add moisture until it's very humid — so that the air can enter your lungs without causing problems. Stuffy noses occur when the conchae rapidly swell in size in response to cold, dry conditions, so there's more surface area for the air to flow over. Additionally, if you're fighting an infection, the conchae can swell further with blood, in order to bring more white blood cells to the site of the infection.

Most people think of this congestion as a result of too much mucus — but in reality, it's just swollen conchae.

This explains why many people are congested when they wake up in the morning after breathing cold, dry air all night , especially because central air and heating systems dry out air significantly. Because cold, dry air is what most often causes your conchae to swell, the best remedy is to add hot, moist air. This is why taking a hot shower often opens up a clogged nose, and why hot washcloths and facial steamers are also effective treatments.

Nasal decongestants such as pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine can also help de-swell the conchae, but in some cases, there's a downside: they dry out the nasal cavity, by reducing the amount of serous fluid. So if you're also experiencing excessively thick, dry mucus, you're better off avoiding decongestants.

A few different factors can reduce the production of serous fluid in your nose, leading to thick, dry mucus. This is often experienced as post-nasal drip — thick mucus at the back of your throat that's much more noticeable than the thinner mucus you swallow unconsciously. One cause is dehydration: if your body doesn't have enough water, it'll cut back on the secretion of serous fluid. An excessively dry environment — often caused by central heat or air conditioning — can also cause the same problem, as can smoking cigarettes.

Instead of taking a decongestant to relieve post-nasal drip, Ellis recommends using an expectorant, which will increase the amount of serous fluid your mucus is diluted in. Most of the mucus in your nose gets swept by your cilia to the back of your throat. But sometimes — especially in arid environments — some of the mucus near your nostrils in an area formally called the nasal vestibule begins to dry out first, becoming too viscous to be swept by cilia.

If it sits there long enough, it dries even further, becoming the crusty accretion colloquially known as a booger. Boogers, as it happens, are the subject of some scientific study. Several researchers have considered the question of why people pick their noses. One theory is that people simply derive pleasure from the act of "cleaning up," and while tissues aren't always available, your fingers are. Whatever the reason, it's widespread. Mucus is key to the functioning of vital organs and the immune system, so the body is continually producing it.

Several health issues can lead to a buildup of mucus or cause the body to produce excess. This can lead to complications. Usually, OTC products and home care techniques can clear excess mucus. Contact a doctor if a mucus buildup has no clear cause, does not resolve with home care, or occurs alongside any other concerning symptoms.

Excess phelgm and mucus can cause congestion, coughing, and problems breathing. Learn about 20 simple home remedies that can reduce mucus and phlegm. Mucus serves an important function, but should it be in the stool?

Read on to learn more about diagnosis, treatment, and when to seek advice. Mucus in the chest can cause discomfort and symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, sleep difficulties, and a sore throat. We describe simple, natural…. Coughing up white mucus may indicate an underlying respiratory condition, such as asthma or COPD, or an infection.

Learn when to see a doctor about…. Black mucus or phlegm is usually a sign of an underlying condition, smoking, or exposure to pollutants. It may clear up on its own, but it sometimes…. Mucus: Where does it come from and how is it formed? Where it comes from What it is How it forms Health issues Clearing mucus Complications Contacting a doctor Summary A person might think that their body only makes mucus in response to illness, allergens, or irritants.

Register Log in. The secret life of snot Snot, what's it all about? You can download copies of all the snot related resources here. Why do we make it? What's in it? The remaining proteins in mucus give it a protective function, these include: antibodies — these tiny proteins produced by B cells, activate the immune system alerting it to the presence of foreign objects such as dust and germs lysozyme — an enzyme that chops up bacteria What about the colour?

A neti pot can help you clear up nasal congestion or mucus from allergies. It's best to follow certain steps that ensure sure you use it safely and…. Parosmia is a condition that distorts one's sense of smell and taste. A variety of health conditions — most of which are related to your sinuses — can trigger a rotten smell in your nose.

Most are not serious, but some…. Loss of the sense of smell can be temporary or permanent. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Daniel Murrell, M.

The main job of nasal mucus is to: keep the linings of your nose and sinuses moist trap dust and other particles you inhale fight infections Mucus also helps moisten the air you inhale, which makes it easier to breathe. Why does snot consistency change? What do mucus color changes mean? Colds, allergies, and snot. Why does crying produce extra snot? Treating what causes mucus.