When you’re feeling under the weather, blowing your nose seems like the easiest way to relieve congestion. However, experts caution that forceful blowing can have unintended consequences. Here’s a look at how nose blowing affects your health and what you can do to clear mucus safely.

The Dangers of Forceful Nose Blowing

Dr. Peter Filip, a rhinologist at Rush University Medical Center, explains that while blowing your nose can provide temporary relief, doing it too forcefully can worsen your symptoms. It can push mucus back into the sinuses, potentially causing infections. A 2000 study showed that forceful blowing pushed mucus into the sinuses, potentially making an infection worse.

Additionally, excessive pressure can cause ear pain, as mucus can travel through the Eustachian tube to the middle ear, increasing the risk of ear infections. Forceful blowing may also cause nosebleeds by damaging blood vessels inside the nostrils, especially when the mucous membranes are inflamed or dry. Over time, it can also lead to nasal vestibulitis, a bacterial infection that causes pimples or boils at the entrance of the nose.

In extreme cases, excessive force can cause an orbital fracture, where high pressure from nose blowing fractures the bones around the eye socket, leading to eye swelling and potential vision loss—though such cases are rare.

The Right Way to Blow Your Nose

Dr. Kanwar Kelley, an ENT in California, recommends blowing gently to avoid pressure buildup. Close one nostril with a finger and blow gently through the other to avoid pushing mucus back into the sinuses. He also suggests using softer, moisturizing tissues to prevent irritation on the skin.

Alternatives to Nose Blowing

For a safer way to clear congestion, Dr. Filip advises saline irrigation. A saline solution can flush out mucus, bacteria, and other irritants from the nasal passages, offering relief from congestion without the risks associated with nose blowing. Nasal decongestants like phenylephrine and oxymetazoline can also help, but should only be used for up to three days to avoid the risk of rebound congestion (rhinitis medicamentosa).

Warm compresses and steam inhalation are also helpful in loosening mucus, allowing it to come out naturally.

Key Takeaways:

  • Avoid forceful nose blowing to prevent worsening symptoms, ear infections, and nosebleeds.
  • Use gentle blowing techniques or saline irrigation to clear mucus effectively.
  • Consider using decongestants, but limit their use to avoid rebound congestion.
  • Employ warm compresses or steam to naturally loosen mucus.

Read Also