Experts warn that blowing your nose too forcefully can damage nasal passages and increase the risk of ear infections. Learn the correct way to blow your nose and avoid potential complications.
According to Rubin, many people blow their noses too forcefully or pinch both nostrils at the same time. The problem? That extra pressure can damage your nasal passages, especially in dry conditions, increasing your chances of painful nosebleeds.But that’s not all. The built-up pressure can also push mucus into multiple directions, Rubin said, including toward the back of your nasal passages where eustachian tubes connect to the middle ear.
“You could be displacing mucus, bacteria, viruses, etc. into your eustachian tubes and potentially increasing the risk of having an ear infection,” Rubin warned. In rare cases, overdoing it could even rupture your eardrum.Rubin recommends pressing one nostril closed to prevent air from escaping through the opposite side. Then, blow gently into a tissue to clear the mucus from the open nostril. The key? It should be slow, comfortable and relatively quiet — no forceful honking. Repeat on the other side. “Afterwards, wash your hands with soap and water to make sure you’re not spreading germs to other people,” Rubin advised.Saltwater sprays and nasal irrigation are great for rinsing out mucus, bacteria and allergens from your nose, Kanwar Kelley, an otolaryngologist and CEO of Side Health,If you’re still stuffed up, nasal decongestants commonly sold over-the-counter can offer quick relief, but don’t overdo it, Peter Filip, a rhinologist and skull base surgeon at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago Filip said that decongestant sprays containing phenylephrine or oxymetazoline can reduce swelling and open up your airways. However, he cautioned that these medications should only be used for three days — any longer, and they can lose their effectiveness or increase your risk of developing rhinitis medicamentosa, a condition that can cause even more nasal inflammation and congestion
HEALTH NOSEBLEEDS EAR INFECTIONS NASAL IRRIGATION DECONGESTANTS
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