A cold, also known as the common cold, is a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory system. It is caused by a number of different viruses and is one of the most common illnesses in humans. Symptoms of a cold include runny or stuffy nose, coughing, sneezing, fatigue, and body aches. While these symptoms can be uncomfortable, there is a common habit that many people engage in that can actually make their cold symptoms worse: blowing their nose. In this article, we’ll explore why blowing your nose is bad for you, and what you should do instead to alleviate your cold symptoms.
Why Blowing Your Nose is Bad For You
Blowing your nose is a natural instinct when you have a runny nose. It helps clear out mucus and relieve pressure in the nasal passages. However, blowing your nose too hard or too frequently can cause damage to the delicate tissues in your nose. This can lead to further irritation, redness, and swelling, making your symptoms even worse. Furthermore, blowing your nose too hard can cause the virus-laden mucus to be forced into your sinuses, potentially spreading the infection to other parts of your body.
In addition to making your symptoms worse, blowing your nose too much can also lead to other complications. One of the most common is a condition known as sinusitis. This occurs when the sinus passages become inflamed and infected, causing pain and discomfort in the forehead, cheekbones, and behind the eyes. Blowing your nose too hard can also cause the blood vessels in your nose to break, leading to nosebleeds.
What is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is a condition that occurs when the sinus passages become inflamed and infected. It can cause pain and discomfort in the forehead, cheekbones, and behind the eyes. Symptoms of sinusitis include facial pressure or pain, headache, nasal congestion and discharge, sore throat, fatigue, bad breath, cough, fever or chills. If left untreated it can lead to more serious complications such as meningitis or brain abscesses which require immediate medical attention. People with allergies may be more likely to develop sinus infections because their airways are already swollen from allergic reactions making them more prone to infection by bacteria or viruses. Chronic sinusitis is often caused by an underlying problem such as an autoimmune disorder or structural defect like a deviated septum which makes it difficult for mucous to drain properly from the nose causing inflammation and irritation of the lining of the nose leading to chronic infection. Treatment includes antibiotics for bacterial infections and decongestants for reducing swelling in order to allow proper drainage of mucous from the nose. Surgery may also be necessary if other treatments fail due to structural defects blocking airflow within the nasal cavity preventing proper drainage of mucous from occurring naturally.
Saline Solutions
So what should you do instead of blowing your nose to alleviate your cold symptoms? One of the best things you can do is to use a saline nasal spray. Saline sprays help to moisten the nasal passages, making it easier to clear out mucus and relieve pressure. They also help to reduce swelling and inflammation, making it easier to breathe through your nose. In addition, you can also try using a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your home, which can help to reduce dryness and make breathing easier.
Using a saline solution is an effective way to relieve cold symptoms. Saline solutions are made up of salt and water, which help to reduce inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages. They can also help to clear out mucus, making it easier for you to breathe through your nose. In addition, saline solutions can help reduce dryness and make breathing more comfortable overall.
Drinking Plenty of Fluids
Another effective remedy is to drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated can help to thin out the mucus in your nose, making it easier to clear. It can also help to soothe the irritated tissues in your nasal passages. Try drinking plenty of water, as well as warm beverages like tea and soup, to help relieve your cold symptoms.
Using Decongestants
Another effective remedy is to use a decongestant. Decongestants work by narrowing the blood vessels in your nasal passages, which helps to reduce swelling and relieve pressure. They can be found in over-the-counter medications or can be prescribed by a doctor. However, it is important to use decongestants only as directed, as overuse can cause rebound congestion, where your symptoms become even worse after the medication wears off.
Decongestants work by narrowing the blood vessels in your nasal passages, reducing inflammation and relieving any congestion or pressure. This is done through constricting the vascular smooth muscles found in the lining of the nasal cavity, which helps to decrease nasal mucous secretions and reduce swelling. When taken as directed, decongestants can be a very effective way to relieve your cold symptoms and make breathing easier.
Other Ways to Get Better Quick
Using a Neti Pot or humidifier can also be beneficial in helping to reduce congestion and provide relief from cold symptoms. A Neti Pot is a small container filled with a saline solution that you gently pour into one nostril and let drain out the other.
Finally, getting plenty of rest is also an important part of managing your cold symptoms. When you are sleeping, your body has a chance to repair itself and build up its defenses against the virus. Try to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night, and take it easy during the day to avoid making your symptoms worse.
Stop Listening to Them. Blowing Your Nose Is Bad For You!
Blowing your nose is not the best way to alleviate cold symptoms. Instead, try using a saline nasal spray, drinking plenty of fluids, using a decongestant, and getting plenty of rest. By following these tips, you can help to manage your cold symptoms and speed up your recovery. Furthermore, blowing your nose can create a cycle of congestion. When you blow or pick at your nose, it causes the blood vessels in your nasal passages to become inflamed and swollen. This then leads to more mucus production as a result of increased pressure on these vessels. In turn, this creates an even thicker mucous that is harder to get rid of through normal means such as sneezing or blowing your nose again. This makes it difficult for air to move freely within the nasal cavity preventing proper drainage of mucous from occurring naturally.