In the United States, nasal congestion is one of the most common symptoms in ENT clinics, affecting the daily lives of people of all ages. Whether it is a cold, allergies or chronic rhinitis, blowing your nose has almost become an "instinct" for patients to try to relieve nasal congestion. However, controversial discussions frequently appear on social media and patient forums: "After blowing your nose, it is even more blocked!" This contradictory phenomenon has attracted widespread attention. Is blowing your nose a "savior" to relieve nasal congestion, or an "accomplice" to aggravate symptoms?
Correctly blowing your nose: an "effective means" to relieve nasal congestion in the short term
Clear secretions and reduce mechanical obstruction
When the nasal cavity is blocked by sticky nasal mucus, moderate nose blowing can physically clear the secretions and restore airway patency. Viruses, allergens and inflammatory cells in the nasal cavity often mix with mucus to form purulent or sticky secretions. The accumulation of these substances will directly compress the nasal concha, causing a "stuffy feeling". By blowing your nose gently, you can temporarily reduce the irritation of secretions on the mucosa and relieve nasal congestion caused by mechanical obstruction.
Key skills:
Unilateral nose blowing: Press one nostril and gently blow out the mucus on the other side to avoid imbalance of ear pressure caused by applying force on both sides at the same time;
Moderate force: "You can hear a slight sound of airflow" to avoid excessive force causing mucosal damage.
Assist drugs to take effect and improve treatment efficiency
For patients using nasal hormones (such as mometasone furoate) or decongestants (such as oxymetazoline), blowing your nose can remove the residual drug residues or dry crusts in the nasal cavity to ensure that the drug directly contacts the mucosa. Nasal drugs need to evenly cover the surface of the nasal concha to achieve the best effect, and the accumulation of secretions may form a "barrier" and reduce the permeability of the drug. By blowing your nose to remove obstacles, you can improve the absorption rate of drugs and shorten the onset time.
Blowing your nose incorrectly: the "three major traps" that may aggravate nasal congestion
Blowing your nose violently causes mucosal swelling
When you blow your nose forcefully, the pressure in the nasal cavity increases suddenly, which may compress the blood vessels of the turbinate mucosa and cause local congestion and swelling. The turbinate mucosa is rich in blood vessels. Excessive pressure will cause vascular dilation and tissue fluid exudation, further thickening the turbinate, forming a vicious cycle of "the more you blow, the more blocked it becomes". Studies have shown that after blowing your nose violently, the volume of the turbinate increases by an average of 15%-20%, and the swelling can last for several hours.
High-risk scenarios:
Blowing your nose repeatedly and forcefully when the mucus is sticky;
Patients with abnormal nasal structure (such as deviated nasal septum) are more likely to use force due to increased resistance.
Backflow of secretions induces sinusitis
If you blow your nose in the wrong posture (such as blowing your nose with your head tilted back), the secretions may be pressed into the sinus opening. The sinuses are air-filled cavities around the nasal cavity. They have narrow openings and are hidden. The backflow of secretions may carry bacteria or viruses to reproduce here, causing acute sinusitis. Typical symptoms of sinusitis include facial tenderness, yellow-green purulent mucus and headaches, and its occurrence is closely related to improper nose blowing.
Pathological mechanism:
Secretions are retained in the sinuses, leading to bacterial colonization;
Swelling of the mucosa blocks the drainage channels of the sinuses, aggravating the infection.
Imbalanced ear pressure causes middle ear problems
The nasal cavity and the middle ear are connected through the Eustachian tube. Excessive force when blowing the nose may cause secretions or pathogens to "rush into" the middle ear. The Eustachian tube is shorter and horizontal in children, and this risk is higher. Middle ear infection may cause secretory otitis media, which is manifested as stuffy ears, hearing loss and ear pain. In severe cases, it can affect language development.
Risk factors:
During colds or allergies, the mucosa of the Eustachian tube swells and the opening function decreases;
Repeated forceful nose blowing increases the probability of pathogens entering the middle ear.
Scientific care: "Three major solutions" to replace nose blowing
Nasal irrigation: the "gold standard" for gentle removal of secretions
Using saline or isotonic solution to rinse the nasal cavity can soften dry crusts, dilute sticky nasal mucus, and remove allergens and pathogens through water flow. Nasal irrigation can fully clean all parts of the nasal cavity, including the posterior end of the turbinate and the opening of the sinuses, to avoid residual secretions. Studies have shown that daily irrigation can reduce nasal congestion symptoms by 60%, without the side effects of violent nose blowing.
Technical advantages:
Constant pressure design prevents excessive water flow from damaging the mucosa;
The rotating nozzle accurately covers the dead corners of the nasal cavity.
Steam inhalation: a "natural therapy" to soften nasal mucus
Pour hot water into a bowl, lower your head and cover your head with a towel, and slowly inhale steam for 5-10 minutes. Steam can moisten the nasal mucosa, dilute sticky secretions, and reduce the need to blow your nose. Adding peppermint oil or eucalyptus oil can enhance the anti-inflammatory effect and relieve mucosal swelling.
Mechanism of action:
Steam increases the local temperature of the nasal cavity and promotes blood circulation;
The moist environment reduces the viscosity of secretions and facilitates natural discharge.
Local hot compress: a "physical method" to relieve mucosal swelling
Apply a warm towel to the nose for 10-15 minutes to promote the expansion of nasal blood vessels through heat conduction and accelerate the discharge of inflammatory metabolites. Hot compress can reduce mucosal congestion, and the nasal congestion relief rate for patients with chronic rhinitis can reach 45%, without drug side effects.
Operation points:
The temperature is controlled at 40-45℃ to avoid burns;
2-3 times a day, continuous use has better effects.
Blowing your nose itself is not a "flood beast", and its effect depends on strength, posture and frequency. In case of mild nasal congestion, moderate unilateral nose blowing can quickly relieve symptoms; but if the nasal mucus is sticky, the nasal congestion is severe, or accompanied by earache and headache, mild methods such as nasal irrigation and steam inhalation should be preferred.
