Why Your Nose Runs When Exposed to Cold Air…It happens to almost all of us – we go out into the dry, cold winter air and our nose starts to run. It’s known as “skier nose.” In medical terms it’s known as “cold-induced rhinitis” or “skier nose”.
One study found it affects 96% of us – particularly those with asthma, eczema and hay fever seem to experience it more.
It's the job of your nose to make the air you breathe in warm and wet so that when it gets to your lungs it does not irritate the cells. The cold, dry air also stimulates cells of your immune system (called "mast cells") in your nose. This symptom shows the nose is very effective at making sure the air we breathe becomes warm and wet before it reaches the lungs.
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