Plagued by a cold?
You’ve probably tried to clear your stuffy or runny nose by reaching for a tissue.
But if you blew with full force from both nostrils at the same time, according to a doctor, you were doing it all wrong.
It is better to blow gently from one nostril at a time, said the London general practitioner dr. Ann Nainan.
Although it is of course not inherently dangerous, says Dr. Note that too much force can cause nosebleeds and dizziness.
Meanwhile, a leading expert has claimed that the wrong method can lead to fractures in extreme cases.
But if you blew with full force from both nostrils at the same time, according to a doctor, you were doing it all wrong. It is better to blow gently from one nostril at a time, said the London general practitioner dr. Ann Nainan
To get rid of a runny nose, it is recommended to blow one nostril at a time instead of blowing with full force in both nostrils
A stuffy nose or stuffy nose occurs when the thin tissue lining the nose swells – the body’s natural response to pathogens such as colds and flu.
Irritated nasal passages can lead to excessive mucus production.
Besides leaving you with an endless stream of snot, the nasal passages can narrow, making breathing through your nose a little more difficult.
But it’s not just colds that can cause nasal congestion. Allergies, a sinus infection and some medications can cause nasal congestion.
Dr. Nainan asked people with insects to blow out of one nostril at a time without exerting much force to reduce the pressure in the sinuses.
She told MailOnline: “Cover one nostril at a time, apply gentle pressure and then blow out into a tissue.”
Blowing too hard can cause nosebleeds because the blood vessels in the nose can become so stressed that they burst. However, this type of nosebleed usually stops on its own and does not require medical attention.
In addition, it can affect the ears and sinuses, both of which are involved in pressure regulation, Dr. Nainan.
Blowing your nose forcefully can cause a rapid change in pressure behind the eardrum, which doctors say can cause pain in the ears and, in rare cases, a ruptured eardrum.
Some people can also become dizzy if they blow their nose with excessive force, said Dr. Nainan.
That’s because blowing too hard can put pressure on the bones in the inner ear — the area that controls your balance, says Dr. Nainan.
However, she noted that these side effects of over-bloating are “fairly short-lived”, perhaps lasting only a few seconds.
And there’s no harm in blowing your nose too often if it helps you breathe, said Dr. Nainan.
“If you can breathe a little better, you will probably be able to sleep a little better and maybe manage your daily life a little better,” she said.
According to dr. According to Carl Philpott, professor of rhinology at the University of East Anglia, blowing your nose too hard can in very rare cases cause broken bones.
He said there is no “right or wrong” way to blow your nose, but emphasized that “excessive force is best avoided.”
According to doctors, if you hear a crack in your ears, you are blowing your nose too hard.
Blowing your nose too hard can cause dizziness and nosebleeds from the pressure, doctors warn
Dr Philpott said: “We very rarely see people who cause a fracture in the thin bone between the eye socket and sinuses by blowing very hard.”
“For this reason, we also advise patients not to blow for three weeks after sinus surgery.”
For anyone who doesn’t like blowing their nose when they have a cold, there are some alternatives to blowing their nose. These options include using an over-the-counter decongestant, warm steam, and a saline solution.
Dr. Nainan said that those using saline should tilt their head forward 45 degrees and administer it while covering one nostril and draining the liquid from the other nostril.
If your nasal congestion lasts longer than two weeks, Dr. Nainan to contact your GP.
A stuffy nose for weeks could be a sign of nasal polyps, she warned. These are soft, painless growths in the nose that are usually not serious, but can continue to grow and clog your nose.
If you have nasal polyps, you will usually be given steroid nasal drops or a spray to shrink the polyps, according to the NHS.
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
