Every time I catch a cold, I long for the ability to breathe freely again. Like most people, I instinctively reach for a tissue and blow my nose. However, experts warn that forceful nose blowing can worsen cold symptoms and even lead to complications.
Dr. Peter Filip, a rhinologist at Rush University Medical Center, explains that excessive nose blowing can create backward pressure, pushing mucus into the sinuses and potentially worsening infections. Similarly, Dr. Kanwar Kelley, an ENT specialist, highlights risks like ear pain caused by fluid traveling through the Eustachian tube or even rare cases of orbital fractures from excessive pressure.
People should always choose to blow their nose gently to avoid side effects
Forceful nose blowing can also cause nosebleeds and nasal vestibulitis, a bacterial infection near the nose’s entry point, often linked to the use of rough tissues. To avoid these issues, experts recommend gentle nose blowing: close one nostril, blow softly through the other, and use tissues with moisturizing ingredients like aloe or menthol.
Alternatives to nose blowing include saline irrigation to clear mucus and nasal decongestants, which can provide quick relief when used sparingly (no more than three days). Warm compresses and steam can also help loosen mucus naturally.
Practicing proper techniques and using gentle alternatives can provide relief while protecting the delicate nasal passages.
