How do boogers form?

Everyone knows how annoying those little, white, sticky-icky things can be when they appear on your cheeks or the tip of your nose. But, while many people are aware of the cause and development of these little snot nuggets, they may not know exactly how they form.

How do boogers form in your nose?

Sometimes, a runny nose can have a direct connection to not only sore throats and blocked ears, but also to the appearance of small, red bumps on the nose. If your nose is dripping or producing copious amounts of mucus, you may have what’s called rhinitis—or inflammation of the nose—or, more rarely, a sinus infection. Regardless of what’s causing your runny nose, it’s important to keep it clean to prevent bacteria

How do boogers get formed in your nose?

It's estimated that your nose holds about 20,000 germs. Most of the bacteria in your nose belong to the species of Staphylococcus. These bacteria are usually harmless, but occasionally they can cause infection in the respiratory tract and sinuses. Normally, the germs stick to the mucous membranes lining the roof of the nasal passages in your nose and throat. That helps to prevent viruses and bacteria from entering the respiratory system, but if you have too many bacteria in your nose,

How do boogers get in your nose?

When your nose is stuffed with mucus, the tissue lining your nose gets irritated. It produces more mucus to clean the infection. Normally, the mucus drains down your throat. However, when you have a cold or the flu, the mucus may not drain down and instead it builds up and drips into your nose. This leads to the creation of a lump of thick, sticky mucus known as a booger.

How do boogers come out of your nose?

Your nose is lined with mucous membranes, which protect your sinus cavities and trap airborne allergens and viruses you encounter. (See 20 Surprising Facts About Your Nose.) When you have a cold, this mucous lining becomes thicker and traps and thins out the snot that is created. This snot can form into small, solid, and sometimes sticky clumps, which eventually come out of your nose.