If there’s a season for a nosebleed, it’s the holiday season.
But chances are you’re doing it all wrong and putting yourself at risk for nasty ear infections and constant nosebleeds.
According to Dr. Zachary Rubin, a pediatric allergist based in ChicagoBlowing air and mucus out of both nostrils puts too much pressure on the delicate nasal passages and can damage them.
This pressure can push viruses and bacteria from around the nose to the back of the nasal passages, where they can become ‘dangerous’, says Dr Rubin.
Because the eustachian tubes are located at the back of the throat, which connects the nose to the middle ear.
Dr Rubin told his 487,000 Instagram followers: “If you blow too much, you’ll get mucus, bacteria and viruses into the eustachian tube and increase your risk of ear infections.”
Blowing the nose forcefully can cause rapid changes in the pressure behind the eardrum, causing earaches and, in rare cases, eardrum ruptures, doctors say.
Dr Carl Philpott, professor of rhinology at the University of East Anglia, says that in rare cases, blowing your nose too forcefully can break tiny bones in the inner ear.
“Very rarely do we see people develop a fracture in the delicate bone between the eye socket and the sinuses,” Dr. Philpott said.
So what should you do instead?
Dr. Rubin recommends blowing gently—and clearing one nostril at a time—to reduce pressure in the sinuses.
He said: The best way to blow your nose is to cover one nostril and breathe slowly into the tissue.
“Don’t make it too hard. It should be comfortable.
“Then you do it on the other side and then wash your hands with soap and water afterwards so you don’t spread germs to other people.”
Using too much pressure can cause nosebleeds, because the blood vessels in the nose are under too much pressure, which can cause them to burst.
These types of nosebleeds usually stop on their own and do not require medical attention.
To avoid nosebleeds and ear infections, it is better to blow gently from one nostril at a time
A congested or congested nose occurs when the mucous membranes become inflamed, and the immune system produces mucus to fight infection.
As well as leaving you with an endless stream of snot, the nasal passages can become narrow, making it a little harder to breathe through your nose.
But it’s not just the flu that clogs your nose. Allergies, sinus infections, and certain medications can lead to similar symptoms.
Pharmacists recommend alternatives such as nasal sprays An over-the-counter spray that depresses the stomach and ‘dislodges’ mucus by dangling the head over a bowl of hot water.
