Why Your Nose Gets Runny or Stuffy When You Cry — and What You Can Do About It

Ever wonder why your nose starts running the moment you cry? It’s not a coincidence — it’s a natural reaction involving your tear ducts and sinuses. When you cry, some tears drain through tiny openings in your lower eyelids, travel down the tear ducts, and empty into your nasal cavity. Once there, they mix with mucus, creating that runny-nose effect most of us know all too well.

Crying can also cause mild swelling in the blood vessels of your nose, which may lead to temporary stuffiness. In some cases, underlying conditions like a deviated septum, nasal polyps, or scar tissue can make the congestion more noticeable or harder to clear. While it’s impossible to prevent your nose from reacting when you cry, the good news is that the discomfort is short-lived.

To ease the congestion, try a saline nasal rinse, use a saline spray, or enjoy a steamy shower to help open your nasal passages. These simple remedies can help you breathe better and recover faster after an emotional release.

Crying is part of being human — and so is that post-cry sniffle. But if nasal congestion becomes persistent or affects your breathing, it may be time to check for underlying sinus issues. Call 907-357-1818 today for expert nasal and sinus care to help you breathe clearly and comfortably.