What Are Boogers?

Boogers, also known as snot, are clumps of mucous that form and stay in the nose. Boogers can vary in size, consistency, and color. Although they’re not something to be proud of, they’re a perfectly normal and healthy part of your body’s defense system.

Boogers are most often made up of a combination of saliva, bacteria, and sloughed off skin that gets collected in the mucous membranes in your nose. Nasal mucus moistens the air we breathe, capturing any dirt or other particles as they enter the nose and preventing them from reaching the lungs. As the mucus flows toward the back of the nose, some of it hardens and forms boogers.

The Role of Boogeres

Boogers–as gross as they may seem–do serve an important role in keeping those nasal passages clean and free from irritants that can lead to allergies and infections. That’s why it’s important to clear out the boogers from your nasal passages and throw them away regularly.

You can remove them from your nose with a tissue or a hanky, but it’s not a good idea to pick your nose with your fingers. Doing so can lead to infections and cause more complications and in more severe cases, can even damage your sinus walls.

How To Get Rid of Boogers

But don’t worry, if you want to get rid of your boogers and breathe more easily at the same time, there are some simple steps you can take.

First, drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated to keep your sinuses moist. This will help to keep the mucus flowing and provide relief from your boogers. Second, get adequate rest. Sleep deprivation helps increase mucus production, which can lead to booger buildup in the nose.

Third, use a humidifier or shower on a hot setting to increase the moisture levels in your home. This will help to prevent your nasal passages from becoming too dry, which can result in booger formation.

Finally, use a nasal saline wash to keep your sinuses clear and free from any irritants. This will help reduce nasal congestion and remove any excess mucus that can cause boogers to form.

Conclusion

In conclusion, boogers are a normal and healthy part of life for everyone. But that doesn’t mean you have to put up with them. Take some simple steps to reduce booger formation and improve your breathing. If you find yourself with an excessive buildup of boogers or other mucus or uncomfortable pressure in your sinuses, make sure to speak to your doctor.