Why does my nose run when it's cold?
Your nose makes extra water when it's cold, to keep the inside wet.
Pip’s answer
- Your nose makes extra water when it's cold, to keep the inside wet.
- Your nose is like a little heater that warms cold air before it reaches your lungs.
- When you breathe out, warm wet air touches your cold nose and makes tiny drops. Drip!
- Ooh, your nose works hard all winter to keep every breath cozy!
For grown-ups
The nose warms and moistens air before it reaches the lungs. In cold air the nose produces extra mucus to keep its lining moist. Also, warm, damp breath condenses into water droplets inside the cold nose, adding to the drip.
Ask your child: What helps you keep your nose cozy on cold days?
More questions kids ask
- 🤧Why do we sneeze?
- 🫁Why do we breathe?
- 🥶Why do we shiver when we're cold?
- ❤️Why does my heart beat?
- 😴Why do we need to sleep?
- 🥱Why do we yawn?
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