Have you ever wondered why your nose starts to run when the temperature drops? It’s a common phenomenon that many people experience during the colder months.

Whether you’re out for a walk in the chilly air or simply stepping into an air-conditioned room, the sudden increase in nasal discharge can be quite bothersome. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind why your nose gets runny when it’s cold and how your body adapts to the changes in temperature.

The anatomy of your nose

Before delving into why your nose gets runny when it’s cold, it is important to understand the anatomy of your nasal passages. The interior of your nose is lined with a mucous membrane, which consists of cells that secrete mucus.

This mucus helps to keep the nasal passages moist, trap particles, and prevent the entry of harmful microorganisms into your respiratory system.

Temperature and humidity

When you are exposed to cold temperatures, your body tries to conserve heat by constricting blood vessels in your extremities.

This process, known as vasoconstriction, helps to redirect blood flow to vital organs in order to maintain your core body temperature. As a result, the blood vessels in your nose also constrict, causing a decrease in blood flow to the nasal mucosa.

The reduced blood flow to the nasal mucosa leads to a drop in temperature and a decrease in the warmth of the surrounding tissue. In response, your body attempts to warm the air you breathe in by increasing the production of mucus.

The excess mucus produced helps in adding heat and moisture to the inhaled air, making it more tolerable to the delicate tissues of the respiratory system.

The production of mucus is also closely linked to humidity levels. When the air is dry, such as during the winter months, the mucus in your nose can become thicker and stickier. This can trigger excessive mucus production and lead to a runny nose.

Reflex action and immune response

A runny nose in cold weather can also be attributed to your body’s reflex action and immune response. When the cold air comes into contact with the lining of your nose, it can trigger nerve endings known as thermoreceptors.

These thermoreceptors send signals to your brain, which then responds by initiating a protective reflex action.

One of the reflex actions that occur is the activation of the sneeze reflex. Sneezing helps to expel irritants or allergens that may have entered your nasal passages.

The excess mucus produced due to the cold can act as a natural lubricant and aid in the expulsion of these irritants.

In addition to the reflex actions, your immune system also plays a role in the runny nose response. The mucous membranes in your nose contain cells called mast cells.

When exposed to cold temperatures, these cells release histamines, which are compounds that cause blood vessels to dilate and increase blood flow. The increased blood flow leads to congestion and a runny nose.

Viral infections

Cold weather is often associated with an increased risk of contracting viral infections such as the common cold.

When you are infected with a cold virus, your body’s immune system responds by producing more mucus to help trap and neutralize the harmful pathogens.

The increased mucus production results in a runny nose as the excess mucus needs to be expelled from your nasal passages. This is your body’s way of flushing out the virus and maintaining a healthy respiratory system.

Preventing and managing a runny nose in cold weather

While it may not be possible to completely prevent a runny nose in cold weather, there are some measures you can take to alleviate the symptoms:.

Keep yourself warm by dressing in layers and covering your nose and mouth with a scarf.
Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and help thin the mucus.
Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your home.
Avoid exposure to cold temperatures for extended periods.
Consider using over-the-counter nasal sprays or saline solutions to relieve congestion and moisturize the nasal passages.

If your runny nose persists or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, cough, or body aches, it is recommended to seek medical advice as it may indicate an underlying condition requiring further treatment.