Eli5 How does the human body make so much snot so quickly?

Question

I’ve had a runny nose for a bit from allergies, it seems like the snot is neverending

In: 15

Answer 1

Each mucus (or “mucin” ) molecule is like a sponge. When it mixes with water, you end up with a lot of snot. So your nose only needs to make a little bit of mucin. it’s very concentrated. The snot is mostly water, with a little bit of “mucin”.