How do boogers form so fast?

You may have heard that germs are the cause of your runny nose and stuffed up sinuses Normally, when you have a cold or the flu, viruses travel through your nose, causing membranes to become irritated and swollen. To fight off infection and clear your sinuses, your body produces thick mucus to trap the germs. This sticky, goopy mucus is called “booger” and it coats the back of your throat and sinuses.

How do booger balls form?

A booger ball is made of thick, mucusy gunk produced by an infection in your sinus. When mucus from your sinus membranes gets trapped in your nasal passages, it can cause an obstruction. In order to clean it out, your body produces thick, sticky mucus. When the mucus gets too thick, it solidifies into a ball.

Why do boogers form so fast?

We know it sounds gross, but the truth is, the mucus that protects your nose and throat is designed to trap airborne germs, viruses, and bacteria. It also helps clean out your nasal passages. Every time you sneeze or cough, mucus is forced down your throat and into your sinus cavities. Normally, the mucus is thin enough to be easily removed, but when it becomes thicker and stickier, it can start to clog up your nasal passages.

How do boogers form so quick?

Your nose is full of mucus, which traps airborne particles to form a sticky, goopy ball. When you sniff, the mucus traps more pollutants, which cause infection and irritation. While the goo is harmless, it can be irritating if it builds up.

How long do boogers take to form?

Your nose produces about one to two pints of mucus every day. Approximately half of it is swallowed, while the remaining portion gets trapped in your nasal passages. Dust particles and bacteria, as well as viruses, can trigger the production of thick, gooey mucus, which can then dry up and form hard or soft, yellow or greenish-white, and sometimes stringy or flaky, gunky-looking boogers.