Mastering proper nose blowing technique is nothing to sneeze at.
Board-certified allergist Zachary Rubin recently took to TikTok to warn his 1.4 million followers about the potentially dangerous — and downright serious — consequences of clearing your sinuses the wrong way.
According to Rubin, many people blow their noses too forcefully or pinch both nostrils at the same time. The problem? This extra pressure can damage your nasal passages, especially in dry conditions, increasing the chances of painful nosebleeds.
But that’s not all. The pressure created can also push the mucus in multiple directions, Rubin said, including at the back of your nasal passages, where the eustachian tubes connect to the middle ear.
“You can move mucus, bacteria, viruses, etc. into your eustachian tubes and potentially increase your risk of getting an ear infection,” Rubin warned. In rare cases, overuse can also rupture the ear drum.
Rubin’s nose-blowing PSA comes as cold and flu season ramps up across the country. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu levels are currently “high” or “very high” in 42 states, with the South and Pacific Northwest hit hardest.
The latest data shows Oregon, Idaho, New Mexico, Louisiana, Alabama and Tennessee suffering the worst outbreaks — with only Montana and Vermont left out with minimal levels.
So while millions of Americans struggle with bad breath, what’s the right way to blow your nose?
Rubin recommends pressing one nostril closed to prevent air from escaping through the opposite side. Then, gently blow into a tissue to clear the mucus from the open nostril.
The key? It should be slow, comfortable and relatively quiet – no forceful tapping. Repeat on the other side.
“Afterward, wash your hands with soap and water to make sure you’re not spreading germs to other people,” Rubin advised.
While tissues are preferred by most, experts say there are other, more effective ways to clear your sinuses.
Salt water sprays and nasal irrigation are great for flushing mucus, bacteria and allergens out of your nose, Kanwar Kelley, an otolaryngologist and CEO of Side Health, told Prevention. A steamy shower, humidifier, or warm compress can also help loosen stubborn mucus, making it easier to clean.
If you’re still stuffy, over-the-counter nasal decongestants can provide quick relief, but don’t overdo it, Peter Filip, a rhinologist and skull base surgeon at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, told CNN.
Filip said decongestant sprays containing phenylephrine or oxymetazoline can reduce swelling and open the airways.
However, he cautioned that these medications should only be used for three days — any longer, and they may lose their effectiveness or increase the risk of developing rhinitis medicamentosa, a condition that can cause even more inflammation and blockage. the nose.
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