Why does our nose run?

Have you ever wondered why our noses run? Why do we constantly have to reach for a handkerchief when we catch a cold? Our noses run when we have a cold, cry or when it’s cold outside.
A cold is essentially a viral condition. When we catch a cold, the mucous membrane that lines the inside of our nose becomes irritated by this virus. The tissues of the membrane instinctively try to repair the damage done by the virus by increasing the production of water from the blood. They also increase the production of white blood cells, or leucocytes, that help to protect the body and actually attack the source of irritation. Further, the mucous that is produced by the membrane is continuously being moved towards the opening of the nose by the action of cilia, which are numerous tiny hairs present inside the nose. This is why our noses run when we catch a cold.
When we cry, the tears produced by the tear glands in the eyes overflow from the narrow tube that is connected to both the nose and the eyes. As a result our eyes water and our noses run. In this case the excess tears from our eyes flow out via the nose!
If you’re outside on a particularly cold day, you will notice that your nose begins to run. This is because the air in your nose is much warmer than the air outside and water droplets come together and condense. These drops mix with your mucus and run out of your nose!
Interesting ‘nose’ expressions
* When Raja decided he was not going to the party, he was just cutting off his nose to spite his face because he was the one who would lose out on having a good time (make things worse for yourself usually because you are angry).
* The teacher told Shalini that she had to keep her nose clean if she wanted to stay in school (stay out of trouble).
* He had been keeping his nose to the grindstone for three months because he wanted to do well in the board exams (work hard for a long period).
* Ram has managed to lead the principal by the nose ever since he got into senior school (persuade someone to do anything you want).
* Rita looks down her nose at people who she feels are not as clever as her (think of as worthless).
* My mother paid through the nose for a new car (pay too much). We hope these expressions will spur you on to look for many more such ones associated with the ‘nose’!

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