When you're sick, the feeling of water in your nose is usually due to a build-up of fluids in your sinuses.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
What Are Sinuses?
Sinuses are air-filled spaces located within the bones of your face around your nose and eyes. They are normally filled with air and lined with a mucous membrane.
Why the "Watery" Feeling?
When you're sick, whether from a viral infection (like a cold or the flu), a bacterial infection (like sinusitis), or even allergies, the following happens:
- Irritation and Inflammation: The infection or allergic reaction irritates the lining of your sinuses, causing it to become inflamed.
- Mucus Production: Your body responds to the irritation by producing more mucus. This mucus is meant to trap and remove the irritants.
- Blocked Sinuses: The inflammation and increased mucus production can block the small openings that drain the sinuses into your nose.
- Fluid Build-Up: Because the sinuses can't drain properly, fluid (primarily mucus, but it feels like water) accumulates inside them, leading to that "watery" sensation.
- Postnasal Drip: This fluid can also drip down the back of your throat (postnasal drip), further contributing to the feeling of congestion and liquid.
Summary
In essence, the feeling of water in your nose when you're sick is usually caused by trapped fluids (mostly mucus) accumulating in your sinuses due to inflammation and blockage from an infection or allergy.
