When tears begin to flow, it’s common for your nose to feel stuffy and runny. This physiological response, though perhaps inconvenient, is a natural consequence of the intricate connection between your eyes and nasal passages. The phenomenon is rooted in several biological mechanisms that work in concert when you cry.
The Path Tears Take
Tears are continuously produced by lacrimal glands located above the outer corner of each eye, keeping the eyes lubricated and protected. When tears are produced in excess, such as during crying, they first spread across the eye’s surface.
A portion of these tears then drains into a specialized system. This drainage begins at tiny openings called puncta, found in the inner corners of your upper and lower eyelids. From the puncta, tears enter small tubes known as canaliculi, which lead to the lacrimal sac. The lacrimal sac, situated near the bridge of your nose, then funnels the tears into the nasolacrimal duct, often referred to as the tear duct. This duct provides a direct pathway from the eye region into the nasal cavity. Normally, this system efficiently drains the small volume of tears produced throughout the day, but when crying significantly increases tear production, the drainage system can become overwhelmed, sending a rush of fluid into the nasal passages.
Your Nose’s Natural Reaction
When tears flood the nasal cavity, the delicate lining of the nose responds to this influx of fluid. The presence of excess liquid stimulates the nasal glands to increase their production of mucus. This additional mucus helps manage the increased volume, diluting and moving tears through the nasal passages.
Simultaneously, crying activates the parasympathetic nervous system. This part of the nervous system influences various bodily functions, including those in the nasal area. Activation can cause the blood vessels within the nasal lining to widen, a process known as vasodilation. This swelling of the nasal tissues can further contribute to the sensation of congestion. The watery tears then mix with the newly produced and existing mucus, creating a thinner, more copious discharge that often runs from the nose.
Why It Feels Blocked
The sensation of a stuffy or blocked nose during crying is a direct result of these combined physiological responses. The sheer volume of tears overflowing into the nasal cavity is a primary factor, physically occupying space and impeding airflow. This watery discharge combines with the increased mucus production, creating a significant amount of fluid within the nasal passages.
Furthermore, the swelling of the nasal tissues due to vasodilation during crying narrows the air passages. This physical obstruction, coupled with the accumulation of tears and mucus, makes it difficult for air to move freely through the nose. Therefore, the feeling of being “stuffy” is a temporary, normal outcome of the body’s reaction to intense tear production.