The inability to breathe through your nose after crying is a direct consequence of the physiological connection between your eyes and nasal passages. This temporary congestion demonstrates how the body’s tear production system and respiratory structures are physically linked. When you cry intensely, the sheer volume of fluid overwhelms the body’s normal drainage capacity, causing a blocked feeling in the nose.
The Tear Drainage Pathway
The system responsible for draining tears channels fluid from the eye surface directly into the nasal cavity. Tears are collected at the inner corner of the eye by two tiny openings called the puncta. The fluid then enters small canals leading to the lacrimal sac, a reservoir located beside the upper part of the nose.
The lacrimal sac narrows into the nasolacrimal duct, which runs downward through a bony canal before opening into the inferior meatus, the largest air passage inside the nose. This duct efficiently drains normal tears, but its capacity is limited. The surge of tears created during crying quickly overloads this system, causing excess fluid to spill into the nasal cavity where it mixes with existing mucus.
Why Your Nasal Passages Swell Shut
The inability to breathe is not simply due to the nasal cavity filling with liquid tears; it results from the body’s inflammatory reaction to the sudden moisture and chemical change. Tears contain various electrolytes and proteins that act as mild irritants to the delicate lining of the nose, called the nasal mucosa. This irritation triggers a localized inflammatory response within the nasal tissues.
This process causes the blood vessels lining the nasal passages to dilate and become engorged, leading to rapid swelling. Structures inside the nose, known as turbinates, which regulate airflow, quickly become swollen and block the air passage. This congestion is the primary reason for the feeling of being “stuffed up,” as the nasal passages physically close off. The nasal passages also increase mucus production to manage and flush out the sudden moisture, further contributing to the blocked sensation.
Immediate Steps for Relief
To quickly restore comfortable breathing, focus on relieving the swelling and assisting the drainage of excess fluid and mucus. Start by gently blowing your nose, one nostril at a time, to clear the accumulated fluid. Avoid excessive force, as forceful blowing can push mucus back into the sinuses or middle ear, potentially increasing pressure and inflammation.
A warm compress placed over the nasal bridge can help soothe irritated tissues and encourage swollen blood vessels to constrict. Standing or sitting upright uses gravity to assist the natural downward flow of fluid from the nasal cavity. Increasing your fluid intake by drinking water helps thin the mucus, making it easier to expel and allowing the nasal passages to clear.