Why can you smell your own mucus?

The sense of smell works by detecting chemicals in the air and sending signals to the brain. When you breathe in, air passes through your nose and over your olfactory receptors, which are located in the back of your nasal cavity. These receptors bind to chemicals in the air and send signals to your brain, which interprets them as smells.

Mucus is a viscous fluid that is produced by the mucous membranes in your nose, throat, and sinuses. It contains a variety of chemicals, including water, proteins, and lipids. Some of these chemicals have a strong odor, which is why you can smell your own mucus.

The sense of smell is very sensitive, and it can be triggered by even small amounts of chemicals. This is why you can smell your own mucus even if you are not blowing your nose or coughing.

Smelling your own mucus is not normally a problem. However, if you have a strong or unpleasant odor coming from your nose, it could be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as a sinus infection or a deviated septum. If you are concerned about the smell of your mucus, you should see your doctor.