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Why can crying make nasal breathing difficult?
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human respiratory system
The lungs serve as the gas-exchanging organ for the process of respiration.
Crying can make nasal breathing difficult because of the anatomical connection between the eyes and the nose. Tears are produced by the lacrimal apparatus and typically drain through the nasolacrimal duct into the nasal cavity.12
During episodes of intense weeping, the lacrimal glands produce an excess of fluid. As this fluid drains through the nasolacrimal duct, it does not just overflow from the eyes as tears; it also floods the nasal cavity. This influx of fluid into the nasal passages can obstruct the airflow, leading to the sensation of congestion or difficulty breathing through the nose.2