Do you regularly clean your nose by blowing your nose? You’ve probably been doing it wrong and could be putting yourself at risk for ear infections and persistent nosebleeds.
According to Dr. Zachary Rubin, a Chicago pediatric allergist, exhaling air and mucus from both nostrils can put excessive pressure on sensitive nasal passages, potentially damaging them.
This pressure can push viruses and bacteria from the nasal area to the back of the nasal canal, where it can be “dangerous,” Dr. Rubin said.
This is due to the presence of the Eustachian tube at the back of the throat, which connects the nose to the middle ear.
“If you blow too hard, you can dislodge mucus, bacteria and viruses into the Eustachian tube and increase the risk of ear infections,” Dr. Rubin told his 487,000 Instagram followers.
Vigorous nose blowing can also cause a rapid change in pressure behind the eardrum, which can cause pain in the ears and, in rare cases, rupture of the eardrum, according to doctors.
In very rare cases, blowing your nose too forcefully may break small bones inside the inner ear, according to Dr. Carl Philpott, professor of rhinology at the University of East Anglia.
Dr. Philpott said – according to the Daily Mail -: “In very rare cases, we see people who cause a fracture in the thin bone between the eye socket and the sinus due to blowing too forcefully.”
What should you do?
Dr. Rubin recommends blowing gently, clearing one nostril at a time to reduce pressure in the sinuses.
“The best way to blow your nose is to cover one nostril and blow slowly into a tissue. Don’t do it too forcefully. It should be comfortable,” he said.
“Then, do it on the other side and then wash your hands with soap and water to make sure you don’t spread germs to other people,” he continued.
Applying too much pressure can cause a nosebleed, as it can put the blood vessels in the nose under so much pressure that they burst.
These types of nosebleeds usually stop on their own and do not require medical attention.
Nasal congestion or blockage occurs when the delicate tissues lining it swell, and the immune system produces mucus to fight the infection.
In addition to leaving you with a never-ending stream of mucus, your nasal passages can narrow, making breathing through your nose a little more difficult.
But it’s not just the common cold that can clog your nose. Allergies, sinusitis, and some medications can lead to the same symptoms.
Pharmacists recommend alternatives to nasal blowing, such as over-the-counter decongestant sprays and “steaming” the mucus by moving your head over a bowl of hot water.
How can I keep my nose healthy?
Nasal hygiene is an important aspect of health. Here are some tips to keep your nose and nasal passages in good condition:
Avoid smoking or inhaling secondhand smoke, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
- Do not remove nose hair, or do so carefully, as it filters out dirt and debris.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Install a high-efficiency air filter to remove allergens from your environment.
- Keep your home clean to reduce the amount of dust and other materials you may inhale and cause allergies.
- Wash bed sheets to remove dust.
- Spray the nostrils with saline spray.
- Use a humidifier at home to keep the air moist.
When should I call my doctor?
You should tell your healthcare provider if you have:
- Concerns about the appearance of your nose.
- Frequent nosebleeds.
- Signs of infection (such as fever or yellow or green nasal discharge).
- Sinus pressure or pain.
- Sleep disorders such as snoring or sleep apnea.