The emotional aftermath of October 7 has taken a toll on many individuals. Crying is a frequent response to stress, but excessive tearing can be cause for concern. Two experts at Rambam Health Care Campus (Rambam) in Haifa, Israel, offer valuable insights into tearing and crying.
(L-R): Dr. Yonina Ron and Dr. Nadeem Habashi. Photography: Spokesperson's Office, Rambam HCC.
Whether tears of joy or sorrow, crying can be a healthy and natural response and can be good for the soul. However, prolonged crying can sometimes be harmful, affecting one’s eyes and voice.
Dr. Yonina Ron, a senior pediatric ophthalmologist in the Department of Ophthalmology, and Dr. Nadeem Habashi, an attending physician in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, both at Rambam, explain how the overproduction of tears and excessive crying can affect our health.
Tears are an important and normal part of eye health; they lubricate and protect the eye’s surface and contribute to clear vision. The emotional role of tears, namely crying due to joy, pain, stress, or sorrow is in addition to the basic function of tears.
Tearing usually indicates an excessive secretion of tears, often without an apparent cause. It may be due to different eye-related issues such as infection, irritation, or eye injury, leading to redness and sometimes a discharge. Tearing may also be due to blocked tear ducts, typically indicated by discharge due to an obstruction in the small holes in the upper and lower eyelids near the nose.
How is tearing treated?
Since there are many possible causes for tearing and the treatment will depend on the cause and can range from administering simple eye drops and antibiotics to surgery. Doctors Ron and Habashi advise that one should first consult with an ophthalmologist, who will decide on appropriate treatment. In general, cleaning eye secretions with a cotton swab and lukewarm water is safe until you are able to get to the doctor for a more specific treatment Sometimes people complain about losing their voices after crying. Doctors Ron and Habashi point out that prolonged crying may involve use of the vocal cords, which have a rich nerve supply. In this case the sinuses and local cords can swell, leading to a “nasal” sounding voice. When this happens, Ron and Habashi suggest rest, relaxation, and deep breathing exercises. Drinking plenty of fluids will prevent a dry throat – which also affects one’s voice.
Finally, the Rambam physicians point out that strengthening ones mental resilience in times of hardship is crucial. Emotional well-being helps minimize the effects of excessive tearing. In times like this, when we find ourselves crying more than usual, support or social action groups help build confidence and resilience. Don’t hesitate to share your feelings with a loved one or a mental health professional who will suggest coping strategies. At times like this “standing together” will help us all get past the tears.
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