Are You Blowing Your Nose the Right Way? Doctors Say Many Aren’t
If you’re someone who feels like they’re always blowing their nose due to allergies, dust, or illnesses, you might want to rethink how you’re doing it. ENT doctors shared with Parade that blowing your nose too hard or too often can lead to nosebleeds, ear pain, and even inflammation.
Common Mistakes When Blowing Your Nose
Most people think blowing harder clears the nose better, but that’s one big mistake. According to Dr. Omar G. Ahmed, MD, from Houston Methodist Hospital, blowing your nose with too much force can cause issues like burst blood vessels, ear pain, and long-term nasal problems. Parade highlights how even frequent nose blowing irritates the nasal lining, which may cause nosebleeds or worsen existing conditions like sinus inflammation.
Why It’s Risky to Blow Too Hard
Doctors told Parade that blowing too hard increases pressure in your nose, which can push air into the ears, causing pain or even damaging the eardrum. Over time, this can lead to more dryness and irritation in your nose, making you feel even worse. While rare, severe cases could even lead to fractures in delicate areas around the eyes or esophagus injuries.
How to Blow Your Nose Safely
ENT specialists shared simple advice with Parade:
- Start with a saline rinse. Use a saline spray or rinse to loosen mucus and keep your nose moist. Dr. Ahmed recommends products like NeilMed for this.
- Blow gently. Only blow one nostril at a time and avoid using too much force.
Other Ways to Clear Your Nose
Instead of constant nose-blowing, Parade shares expert-recommended alternatives:
- Use a sinus rinse. This method flushes out your nasal passages gently. Dr. Ahmed advises doing this once or twice daily with distilled water and saline.
- Try medication. Nasal sprays or antihistamines can help, but don’t overuse them. Doctors caution that sprays like Afrin should only be used for three days max to avoid rebound congestion.
If you’re struggling with ongoing nasal problems, Parade stresses the importance of visiting an ENT specialist for tailored advice. Blowing your nose might seem simple, but doing it wrong could lead to unnecessary complications.
credit : Parade