Have you ever wondered why does nose run when pooping? It is something that many people experience and find confusing. The phenomenon of one’s nose running while pooping has caught the intrigue of both scientists and ordinary folks alike. However, relax; there is an easy explanation for this odd event.
When you are on a toilet, especially during the fecal process, various actions occur within your body that could elicit different responses. One such response is the stimulation of the parasympathetic system, which helps to regulate digestion and voiding, among other body functions. This, in turn, causes more mucus to be produced by nasal passages, resulting in a running nose.
Actually, all these systems in your body are integrated together when you are pooping, and at times what’s taking place downstairs can have an effect upstairs as well. So if it ever happens to you again where your nose begins to run while using the washroom, just know it’s got everything to do with the intricate but still somewhat baffling activities inside our bodies.
What is it Called When You Sneeze and Poop?
Alternatively, sneezing or pooping at the same time is often referred to as “snizz” or “sneeze-poop.” There exists this funny condition whereby muscles performing these two functions act simultaneously. Upon sneezing, abdominal muscles contract forcefully, which could pressurize intestines, sometimes causing defecation. It also occurs without being controlled by someone, and even though it may catch them unawares, this shouldn’t cause any anxiety.
Conversely, while a snizz may be embarrassing or even inconvenient, there is nothing wrong with its occurrence since it’s a completely natural bodily function. Sneezing and defecating are both vital processes carried out by human bodies, often occurring together. It just reminds us how complicated our bodies can get sometimes, and although many individuals can relate to this, they won’t always be talking about it. Thus, if you have ever experienced a snizz, just know that you are not alone, and this is just part of being human.
Is it Normal for your Nose to Run while Pooping?
Some people may occasionally experience a runny nose when using the toilet. Initially, this might appear surprising, but there is indeed a very simple explanation for it. There are cases where your body can cause what is known as a vasovagal response while in a bathroom, particularly during bowel movements. This leads to a running nose, among other reactions. The nerves send messages throughout your body, such as making different reactions possible, like having a runny nose when straining during defecation or any form of muscular exertion.
Another thing to consider is how near the nasal passages are to the gastrointestinal system. The nerves that move your intestines are closely linked with those dealing with your nostrils and sinuses. Therefore, when there is an increase in intestinal activity, it sometimes stimulates the nearby nerves, causing a runny nose. This is not usually very comfortable, but in most cases, it’s nothing serious and just one of those things about our body systems. However, if it becomes annoying or persists, then it may be a good idea to consult a doctor, as they will help you find out what the problem could be.
Why Does Nose Run When Pooping?
It feels strange when your nose starts running while you’re on the toilet, but there’s an explanation behind this phenomenon, too. So let’s have a closer look at all these:
Valsalva Maneuver
When you press down during defecation to get rid of feces, you are performing the Valsalva maneuver. This action increases pressure in both your chest and abdomen, which can affect surrounding structures, including nasal passages, thus leading to a runny nose.
Autonomic Nervous System
Digestion and nasal secretion, among other involuntary body functions, are regulated by the autonomic nervous system. As such, straining during bowel movement might activate this system, increasing mucus production within the sinus cavities, hence running nose.
Irritation and Sensation
Sometimes, there could be irritation or sensation in different parts of your body, such as the nose following defecation, which is a reflexive response that can occur after passing stool from someone’s bowels as well as having got nerves situated closely together or sharing the same neural pathway between bowels and sinuses resulting into nose running when we poop.
Increased Blood Flow
During bowel movements involving straining, pelvic region blood flow tends to rise significantly, hence causing congested neighboring tissues, among them the ones located around our noses, therefore creating situations like stuffy nasals or even a runny nose.
Allergic Response
In certain cases, people might suffer from an allergic response induced by particular stimuli present in their bathroom, such as dust or airborne particles. This allergic response may produce a runny nose that occurs simultaneously with or immediately after passing stool.
Concluding Remarks
Although it seems odd, the reason why your nose runs while you poop is due to several physiological processes occurring at once. These factors consist of the Valsalva maneuver, autonomic nervous system activity, irritation and sensation, increased blood flow, and allergic responses. Therefore, next time you are wondering why my nose starts running when I go to the toilet, remember that our body systems are complex interplays of biological functions.