Sniffle
A sniffle is the reflex action of inhaling quickly to prevent mucus from flowing from one's nose, as an alternative to blowing the nose.
Physiology
For a fraction of a second, the performer inhales strongly, pulling mucus from the outer part of the nasal cavity higher up, even into the sinus. This action is generally repeated every few seconds or minutes.
Sniffling and runny nose need not come associated with sneezing or coughing.
Sniffling is not necessarily related to illness.[1] In addition to allergies and colds, it can be a result of being in cold temperatures, and a way to hold back tears.[2]
Reducing the need to sniffle generally involves reducing the symptoms causing the excessive mucus, often through antihistamines or decongestants. More immediate relief is had by either nasal irrigation or blowing the nose into a facial tissue or handkerchief.
Psychology
Many people are unconscious of their sniffling, hence the stereotype of children as more apt to sniffle, since they are less conscious of stigma. The sharp high pitched noise of a sniffle can easily become both inaudible to the performer, who experiences it as a relief, and irritating to those around the sniffler.[3]
Sociology
In many cultures, blowing one's nose in public is considered impolite, and in reaction, people can make a habit of sniffling, even though sniffling is more impolite.
"The sniffles" can also refer by metonymy to the common cold, though colds often do not result in sniffles, and sniffles often are not caused by colds.