For some reason we just cannot stand to have boogers and long nose hairs in our nose. So frequently we remove them by nose picking and nose hair clipping. However nose hairs and boogers serve an important purpose.
Nose Hair: The Purpose
Nose hair defends the body against germs fungus and spores, according to Doctor Michael Pollick research report “What is The Purpose of Nose Hair” in www.wisegeek.com. When air is inhaled through the nose all the solid particles in the air is inhaled as well. The thicket of hair within the nostrils traps the particles in the mucus on the hair.
Nose hair also provides humidity to inhale air. Humidity is needed for the respiratory system to prevent dryness in the lungs and nasal passage. People who frequently cut away their nose hairs or pluck them out are susceptible to allergies, sinusitis, or respiratory infections, according to Micheal Pollick in “what is The Purpose of Nose hair?
What is The Purpose Of Nasal Mucus?
Nasal mucus is a secretion produced by the nasal mucosa to aid in the protection of the respiratory system. It lines the airway of the nasal passage. Nasal mucus traps and prevents airborne particles from entering the respiratory tract. In “Structure and Function of the Polmeric Mucin In airways Mucus”, by DJ Thorton, mucus also assists in moisturizing the inhaled air by preventing tissues in the nasal and airway epithelia from drying out. Nasal and airway mucus is produced constitutively.
Frequent and constant nose hair plucking and cutting and “booger picking” takes away the respiratory systems important defense and can cause breathing discomfort. So although long nose hairs may be unsightly it would be best to allow their growth. When mucus dries in passage ways new moist mucus forms behind it. The old dry mucus normally loosens on its own and causes a person to sneeze. By sneezing the old dry mucus is forced out of the nose, and the new moist sticky mucus is forced to spread all over the nostril and nose hair.
Curing Dry Nose Sometimes people, particularly children, experience dry nose. Dry nose occurs when the nose fails to produce nasal mucus. Dry nose can be very uncomfortable. There are nasal sprays for treating dry nose. However, I found that the condition it can be gotten rid of easily by using onions. Simply cut a piece of fresh onion and rub it on your face beneath the eyes and beneath the nose. Then just bare with the watering eyes. Not only will the eyes water, but the nose will begin to run. Within the nasal passage the nasal mucosa will immediately begin to produce nasal mucus, thus moisturizing the inner nose. This actually works, and for this reason I always keep onions in the kitchen.
Nasal hair and boogers are a necessity. So bear with having them in your nose.
Sources:
DJ Thorton, “Structure & Function Of The Polyeric Mucins In Airways Mucus”, Mar 2008, Annu Rev Physiol (44): 459-486
Michael Pollick, MD, “What is The Purpose of Nose Hair” at www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-purpose-of-nose-hair.htm
