Question

Funny question, but serious: Why do we get a blocked nose when we are suffering from cold? Why does that transparent liquid come out?

Answer 1

i think thats something you ask a doctor but who knows someone might know. i know i dont.

Answer 2

That's what the Biology group is there for :)

Answer 3

yep

Answer 4

Rhinitis is typical of a common cold, it is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose. it leads to a slight discharge and a 'blocked nose'.

Answer 5

Why does that happen?

Answer 6

a viral infection, typically. but it can be a bacterial or allergens.

Answer 7

I see. What does that bad liquid consist of?

Answer 8

a discharge of mucous that is built up. i am not sure of a more detailed definition

Answer 9

Is that water + a little of mucous then? I am not a biologist... just curious :)

Answer 10

pretty much, a little different types of 'snot'. yellow and greenish mix vs the clear substance. lol :)

Answer 11

Ugh... that is creepy haha

Answer 12

pretty much. a little nasty thing that keeps us going. yay for the clia!

Answer 13

cilia* :p

Answer 14

The reason you produce excess mucous when you are sick is because your body is trying to fight off your nasal infection by flushing out everything in your nose into the "outside" world. Your mucous glands therefore produce excess mucous and it dribbles out of your nose, if your body didn't do this then you may get a severe nasal infection as whatever is infecting you could just "climb" right into your nasal conchea and hang out.
The cilia in your nasal passage also beat against their normal direction and move the mucous out of your nose.
Mucous in itself is part of the non-specific immune system (like your skin) and it merely being there inhibits all sorts of things from getting at your basal cells (as they first have to get through a thick layer of mucous.
As for what it is made of: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phlegm