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 gross — consequences of incorrectly clearing your sinuses.
According to Rubin, many people blow their noses too forcefully or pinch both nostrils at the same time. The problem? That extra pressure can damage your nasal passages, especially in dry conditions, increasing your chances of painful nosebleeds.
But that’s not all. The built-up pressure can also push mucus into multiple directions, Rubin said, including toward the back of your nasal passages where eustachian tubes connect to the middle ear.
“You could be displacing mucus, bacteria, viruses, etc. into your eustachian tubes and potentially increasing the risk of having an ear infection,” Rubin warned. In rare cases, overdoing it could even rupture your eardrum.
Rubin’s nose-blowing PSA comes as cold and flu season picks up steam across the country. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, influenza levels are currently “high” or “very high” in 42 states, with the South and Pacific Northwest hit hardest.
The most recent data shows Oregon, Idaho, New Mexico, Louisiana, Alabama and Tennessee suffering the worst outbreaks — with only Montana and Vermont being let off the hook with minimal levels.
So, as millions of Americans battle the sniffles, 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, blow gently into a tissue to clear the mucus from the open nostril.
The key? It should be slow, comfortable and relatively quiet — no forceful honking. Repeat on the other side.
“Afterwards, wash your hands with soap and water to make sure you’re not spreading germs to other people,” Rubin advised.
While tissues are the go-to for most, experts say there are other, more effective ways to clear your sinuses.
Saltwater sprays and nasal irrigation are great for rinsing out mucus, bacteria, and allergens from 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 clear out.
If you’re still stuffed up, nasal decongestants commonly sold over-the-counter can offer 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 that decongestant sprays containing phenylephrine or oxymetazoline can reduce swelling and open up your airways.
However, he cautioned that these medications should only be used for three days — any longer, and they can lose their effectiveness or increase your risk of developing rhinitis medicamentosa, a condition that can cause even more nasal inflammation and congestion.
