You likely cry when you're sick due to the body's natural response to infection.
Understanding Why We Cry When Sick
When you have a cold, the flu, or even COVID-19, your body's immune system kicks into high gear. One of the ways it fights infection is by sending white blood cells to the affected areas.
How White Blood Cells Cause Tearing
- Inflammation: White blood cells inflame the blood vessels in your eyes.
- Clogged Ducts: This inflammation can clog your eye ducts.
- Tears: The result of clogged ducts is the production of excess tears, leading to watery eyes and crying.
This physiological response is a common reaction to respiratory illnesses.
Common Illnesses That Cause Tearing
| Illness | Symptoms that may cause tearing |
|---|---|
| Cold | White blood cell mobilization and inflammation in eye ducts. |
| Flu | White blood cell mobilization and inflammation in eye ducts. |
| Coronavirus (COVID-19) | White blood cell mobilization and inflammation in eye ducts. |
Additional Factors That Could Contribute
While the inflammation caused by white blood cells is a primary reason for tearing when sick, other factors could also play a role:
- Nasal Congestion: Blocked nasal passages can sometimes affect the tear ducts.
- General Discomfort: Feeling unwell can make you more prone to emotional responses, including crying.
In summary, crying when you're sick is a normal physiological reaction to the body fighting off infection. This process is largely due to the inflammatory response associated with the immune system and can result in clogged tear ducts, leading to watery eyes and crying.
