When You Pull Mucus into Your Mouth from the Nasal Cavity

Have you ever found yourself in a somewhat peculiar position, where you manage to expel a gloopy glob of mucus from your nose, or have you faced the awkward situation of food traveling from your mouth to your nose because of a sneeze or a laugh? These instances raise questions about the normality of such occurrences and the pathway that mucus takes when it transitions from the nasal cavity to the mouth. In this article, we will delve into the anatomy, the journey mucus takes, and what it means for your overall health.

The Anatomy: Nares, Nasal Cavity, and Pharynx

Our nasal passages open to the outside through the anterior nares. The internal nasal cavity and mouth meet at the pharynx, a dual-purpose region that serves as part of both the respiratory and digestive systems. The pharynx is a muscular tube that connects the nasopharynx to the esophagus and larynx. When swallowing food, the pharynx closes the respiratory tract temporarily, and when inhaling air, it closes the digestive tract briefly.

How Mucus Travels from Nose to Mouth

When mucus is pulled into the mouth from the nasal cavity, it follows a specific pathway. The process begins in the nasal cavity, where the mucus is produced. When you press your tongue to the hard palate, the roof of the mouth, and close your mouth while inhaling, you create a negative pressure. This negative pressure allows the secretions, along with air, to pass from the nasal cavity through the choana, the opening of the nasal cavity into the pharynx. The mucus then travels down the pharynx, essentially the back of the throat where the nasal cavity and mouth join.

From the pharynx, the mucus continues its journey down the throat and ultimately enters the mouth. At this point, you can choose to either swallow the mucus or spit it out. If the mucus contains food particles, you might need to expel it forcefully to ensure you can clear your throat.

Normal vs. Concerning

Such actions are generally considered normal; however, they can be concerning if done excessively, particularly if they lead to discomfort or a feeling of blockage. This is especially true if mucus is being pushed into the mouth repeatedly, which could potentially irritate the throat and cause inflammation.

Potential Risks and Precautions

The method described, where one presses the tongue to the hard palate and creates a negative pressure to pull mucus into the mouth, is not advisable for everyone. It can cause issues with the Eustachian tube, a small tubular structure that connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx. Excessive or forceful use of this method can lead to a variety of issues, including:

Eustachian tube dysfunction, which can cause discomfort, hearing problems, and other symptoms.

The feeling of your ears being "popped" can indicate changes in ear pressure, which, when done excessively, can lead to the perforation of the eardrum.

If you experience any persistent issues or discomfort related to the pharynx or nasopharynx, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Your home doctor can provide the best treatment options with minimal side effects.

It is crucial to understand the normal anatomy and function of the pharynx and the potential risks associated with certain actions. By understanding this, you can make informed decisions about your health and seek professional advice when necessary.