Did you know there’s a right way to blow your nose? Turns out, most people don’t do it correctly. Allergies, the common cold and the flu can all cause a runny nose, and clearing out the mucus by blowing your nose will alleviate that symptom.
How To Blow Your Nose
- Hold the tissue over your nose. You can use either a handkerchief or a tissue; a tissue is more hygienic because you can throw it away when you’re done, but a handkerchief is more environmentally friendly.
- Press one nostril shut with your finger. When you breathe in and out, air should not be able to pass through the shut nostril at all.
- Blow gently. Try to use as little force as possible to blow the mucus from the open nostril into the tissue.
- Repeat if necessary. If nothing came out on the first blow, do not blow again.
- Repeat steps two through four on the other side.
- Wash your hands. Blowing your nose transfers pathogens to your hands; wash your hands with soap and water to prevent further spreading.
The Risks of Blowing Your Nose Incorrectly
Nose-blowing puts high pressure on the nostrils and nasal passageways, which in turn puts pressure on the Eustachian tubes. This whole system is very sensitive to pressure, so blowing your nose can cause some adverse effects if not done properly. Don’t blow too hard, and don’t blow both nostrils simultaneously. These actions can clog the Eustachian tubes, causing an infection, or they can rupture a blood vessel in the nose, causing a nosebleed.
Don’t blow if you’re congested. If inflammation in the lining of the nose—not mucus—is the problem, blowing your nose won’t fix it. Instead, the issues of pressure may actually be worsened since the passageways are constricted. Use too much force through those constricted tubes and you may rupture an eardrum. In the same vein, don’t plug both nostrils and blow out to clear congestion. This may feel good in the moment, but it can cause serious harm.
Alternatives to Blowing Your Nose
- Sniffling. While the sound may be unpleasant to some, your body is designed to handle sniffling. Mucus sniffed back up into the nose reroutes down through the throat, landing in the stomach, where the stomach acid neutralizes the germs.
- Squeeze mucus out. Press your fingers together over the bridge of your nose and massage the mucus down towards your nostrils.
- Use a saline spray. Saline sprays are available over the counter. They reduce the mucus buildup in the nose and can relieve congestion.
If you have any questions about blowing your nose to alleviate allergy symptoms, give Willamette ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery a call.
Learn More
“Dr. Strand is wonderful. In fact, all the staff are just the best. Personable, and to the point. You will be well cared for at Willamette ENT.”