Understanding mucus: How it protects you

Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, send it to curiouskidsus@theconversation.com. Why do our noses get snotty when we are sick? – Veronica P., age 5, Panama City, Florida Not many things are as uncomfortable and annoying as a runny or congested nose when you’re sick. Constantly blowing your nose and not being able to breathe through it may leave you wondering: Why does this happen? I’m a nurse practitioner who works with kids every day and also teaches nursing. The answer is pretty simple. Mucus – or snot – is one of the ways your body helps keep you healthy. Mucus lines your nose, throat, lungs and other parts of your body to protect it from bad bacteria, viruses and other particles. Your body continuously creates mucus to fight off germs and help get rid of them. When you’re sick, your immune system ramps up to produce extra mucus to flush out germs. While it might seem gross, mucus is also pretty amazing. Slimy protector Your body creates mucus out of a combination of water, proteins and salts. Its sticky consistency traps bad microorganisms and...