What a reality check! A few days ago we were basking in +10. Today -30! Well, it’s -30 when you factor in the windchill! And of course we have to factor in that bone-chilling wind. That just proves how hardy we really are! It also gives us something to talk about in the elevator, or as we come sniffling into work. Which leads me to ask — Did you ever wonder why our noses run when it is cold? I warn you, if you don’t like to hear about mucus, then just scroll down a bit, and look at a few more awe inspiring pictures of the mountains! But if you have always been curious,…read on!
Underneath the glands that secrete mucus, we have many many many tiny blood vessels,…..vessels that help supply these glands.
In cold weather, these blood vessels dilate, or grow larger. This means you have more blood supply to your nose, which in part protects your nose from the cold, but it also means your nose will begin producing greater amounts of mucus and liquid. Plus,…your nose runs when it is cold because the nose has to work overtime, to warm up air that is inhaled–which is coming in at much lower temperatures than normal. You might even notice a nose run when it is cold only by a few degrees.
Still with me???–There’s more! There’s also the issue of normal mucus and secretion production. At room temperature, your nose is already producing four cups of fluid and mucus a day. Only so much of it can fall to the back of the throat and be swallowed. When mucus and secretion production increases to warm the air, you will see the nose run when it is cold because you have excess secretions. In other words, some of it has to drip out the front of the nose because you have an excess supply(YECH!). When you get into a warmer room, a few moments later you won’t notice your nose continuing to run because your nose has warmed up and the blood vessels become more constricted.
And that, my friend IS something to sniff at! And now for your viewing pleasure: Mount Lefroy and Mount Victoria in Lake Louise. If you have always been curious about the Chateau Lake Louise–here’s a great link:
Sun yawns pink on Mt. Lefroy
- Sunrise Mt. Victoria & Lefroy
