Why we get congested and snotty when we get emotional/cry?
Emotions are older circuits in the brain/nervous system wiring plan. There's a lot of vasodilation that occurs in the face, sinuses. That causes swelling of the mucosa, hence the congestion.
The Short Answer
Emotions are older circuits in the brain/nervous system wiring plan. There's a lot of vasodilation that occurs in the face, sinuses. That causes swelling of the mucosa, hence the congestion. Now as to why that is, what's the evolutionary reasoning, I have no clue. Is it something that is vestigial from our mammalian ancestors – that is, do other mammals get congested when they cry? Is it something beneficial like when smoke makes our eyes water and ~~three~~ the congestion happens to protect our sinuses from the smoke? I have no clue.
Analysis
Key Concepts: Sinuses, congestion, clue
This explanation focuses on sinuses, congestion, clue and spans 93 words across 7 sentences. At 37% above the average Psychology explanation (68 words), this is one of the more thorough answers in this category, reflecting the complexity of the underlying question.
What This Answer Covers
The explanation opens with: “Emotions are older circuits in the brain/nervous system wiring plan.” It then elaboratesultimately building toward a complete picture across 7 connected points.
How This Compares in Psychology
Ranked #132 of 500 Psychology questions by answer depth (top 27%). This falls in the detailed tier — above average depth. The explanation goes beyond surface-level but keeps things accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a simple explanation for why why we get congested and snotty when we get emotional/cry?
Emotions are older circuits in the brain/nervous system wiring plan. There's a lot of vasodilation that occurs in the face, sinuses. That causes swelling of the mucosa, hence the congestion. Now as to why that is, what's the evolutionary reasoning,…
How detailed is this explanation compared to similar Psychology questions?
This is an above-average answer at 93 words, ranked #132 of 500 Psychology questions by depth. The key concepts covered are sinuses, congestion, clue.
What approach does this answer take to explain why we get congested and snotty when we get emotional/cry?
The explanation uses root cause analysis across 93 words. It is categorized under Psychology and addresses the question through 1 analytical lens.