In addition to keeping the tissues beneath it from drying out, mucus helps catch viruses and other harmful particles and stop them from getting into your airways. Tiny hairs inside the nose called cilia move the mucus down toward the nostrils.
When you sneeze or blow your nose, you blow out the mucus. If mucus remains in the nose and starts to dry out, it becomes dried nasal mucus or a booger. Mucus is usually clear. It tends to turn whitish when it dries, but depending on what comes into contact with it, boogers may have different colors. Boogers can carry bacteria and viruses, which then get spread from your hands to whatever you touch. 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. The authors of one small survey finding that 91 percent of adults admitted to picking from time to time. But that doesn't mean it's a good idea: Dutch researchers, among others, have found that nose-picking can spread infections.
Mucus, in its natural state, is clear. Medication and surgery can both be used to treat them. In fact, it may help protect your body from dust and pathogens. But if you want to remove it, here's what you…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Karen Gill, M. Potential benefits Risks Tips for stopping Outlook Overview.
Are there any benefits to eating boogers? What are the risks of eating boogers? How to stop eating boogers. What is the outlook for eating boogers? Read this next. To be fair, these are extreme scenarios.
One time probably won't hurt you. The next time you feel the urge to mine for green gold, just grab a tissue. World globe An icon of the world globe, indicating different international options. Get the Insider App. Click here to learn more. A leading-edge research firm focused on digital transformation. Good Subscriber Account active since Shortcuts. Account icon An icon in the shape of a person's head and shoulders.
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