hot moist air helps stuffy nose

Discussion in 'Human Science' started by Greg Bernhardt, Feb 24, 2002.

  1. Greg Bernhardt www.physicsforums.com Registered Senior Member

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    why when i have a cold and then take a hot shower why does my stuffed up nose clear up?
     
    Last edited: Feb 25, 2002
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  3. Congrats Bartok Fiend Registered Senior Member

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    Could you post anything more stupid?
     
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  5. Greg Bernhardt www.physicsforums.com Registered Senior Member

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    could you be any more of a jerk?
     
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  7. wet1 Wanderer Registered Senior Member

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    ...now that we have the thread openers and greetings over with.

    Could it be that dryness of the air (lack of humidy in the nasal passages) causes the stuffiness or plugging of the passages? That increasing the humidy reduces the irritation thus a decrease in the overfunctioning of mucus production...

    Just a thought.
     
  8. Stryder Keeper of "good" ideas. Valued Senior Member

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    13,105
    I would have said it was the Congealed Mucus melting through an exchange of State, from Solid to Liquid.

    Yes, I think you haven't discovered a method of clearing your nose, but you have found the Melting point of Snot.

    Feel proud there's a nobel prize in the post.
     
  9. goofyfish Analog By Birth, Digital By Design Valued Senior Member

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    Damn... and here I thought it was due to the heat of the water causing my brain to expand, forcing its way into other cranial orifices, thus displacing the congealed mucus and freeing my respiratory patterns.

    Peace.
     
  10. bbcboy Recovering christian Registered Senior Member

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    1,104
    It's also a survival thing.
    The instictual thing to do when faced with a torrent of water is to not breathe thru the mouth. This confuses the brain which sets about opening the other air passages to optimise oxygen intake.

    Forget the shower next time and just try holding your breath. It works !

    Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!

     
  11. Greg Bernhardt www.physicsforums.com Registered Senior Member

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    cool bbcboy, i never thought of that one!
     

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