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Has this ever happened to you? You’re drinking soda, milk, or any beverage when your friend makes a joke, and suddenly you find your favorite drink forced out of your nostrils. Don’t be alarmed, this is a natural thing that can happen to anyone. In fact, it’s one of many ways that show how connected your nose and throat are to each other.
Your nose and throat are part of your respiratory system, which means they share pathways that play important roles in breathing and swallowing. When you breathe through your nose, air travels from the nasal cavities to the pharynx and down into the lungs.
Because these structures are so closely linked, anything that disrupts their coordination — like laughter — can momentarily throw the system off.
Normally, when you swallow, the soft palate and uvula close off the nasal passages to stop food or liquid from entering your nose.
But when you laugh while drinking:
This results in nasal regurgitation — liquid coming out your nose instead of going down your throat.
Most of the time, it’s harmless. But certain drinks can cause irritation:
Dr. Darrel Klotz, a CEENTA otolaryngologist and voice and swallowing specialist who practices out of our SouthPark office, has some words of caution regarding nasal regurgitation. “While the internet is full of funny nose tricks (such as passing a noodle through your nose and pulling it out your mouth), having food come out your nose unintentionally when eating can be embarrassing and generally not a good ‘party trick’”.
Occasional nose‑squirting when you laugh is normal — but if it happens regularly, you may have velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI).
VPI occurs when the soft palate doesn’t close correctly, allowing food or drink to enter the nasal passages more easily.
If you notice these signs, it may be time for an evaluation.
Drinks coming out of your nose may be a funny moment, but your ear, nose, and throat care is no laughing matter. That’s why CEENTA offers a wide spectrum of ENT services to our patients in the Carolinas, including allergy treatments, sinus infection care, hearing tests, and more. Schedule your next appointment with Dr. Klotz at our SouthPark office today so you can enjoy the laughs safely.
This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your doctor. New patients can make appointments online with our ENT doctors in North and South Carolina. Current patients can also make appointments through myCEENTAchart with physicians they have already seen.
