How to Blow Your Nose Correctly

When you have a cold, the flu or allergies, chances are you’re going to need to blow your nose at some point. But is there a right way to do it? It’s time to master the art of blowing your nose – just make sure to keep that tissue box close by.

What’s the best way to blow your nose?

Board-certified allergist and immunologist Purvi Parikh, MD, says the best way to blow your nose is to focus on one nostril at a time:

1. Put your finger or put pressure on one side of your nose, closing that nostril.
2. Blow out of the nostril that is open into a tissue or handkerchief.
3. Try to blow gently, not too hard or with too much force.
4. Repeat this process for the other side of your nose.

Your technique for blowing your nose may differ. Continue doing what works for you – as long as you blow your nose safely and you’re able to remove bothersome mucus.

If you blow too hard into a tissue, especially when you have a cold or sinus infection, it can force germs back into your sinuses. This can trigger sinus pain or a sinus infection (also called sinusitis). Blowing your nose forcefully may trigger nosebleeds or lodge mucus into your Eustachian tube, which can trigger an ear infection. In rare cases, you may rupture an eardrum from blowing too hard.

Make sure you use a clean tissue each time and dispose of it when you are done. Avoid blowing your nose too often. Excessive nose blowing can increase swelling and irritation of the nasal passages, leading to sinusitis. It can also cause irritation and pain on the skin around your nose.

What to do if nasal congestion is a persistent issue, and you’re unable to clear your sinuses effectively? Dr. Parikh advises that you see a board-certified allergist or ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist for an evaluation. Discuss your symptoms, including severe nasal congestion, sinus pressure, pain, or sinus headaches. Then work together with your doctor to find the cause as well as a medication and treatment plan.

How to teach children to blow their nose?

Teaching a child to blow a nose can be hard. Waiting until they are sick and irritable may not be the best time.

When your child is feeling well, introduce them to nose blowing. Demonstrate how to do it using a tissue. Then ask your child to do it for you. Turn it into a game. Ask your child to blow air from both their nose and mount to move a light object like a tissue.

If your child is already sick and not yet skilled with nose blowing, stick to things like wiping the runny nose, giving fluids and using humidifiers.

For infants and young children, consider using a nasal bulb that sucks out mucus from the nose. This can be startling and maybe upsetting for some children, however.

Prepare for effective nose blowing

What can you do to make blowing your nose easier and more effective? Preparation is the key!

Before you reach for that tissue, consider putting a warm, damp washcloth over your nose and forehead for couple minutes. This can help to loosen up nasal mucus. Saline nasal sprays and steam inhalation in the shower or over boiling water can loosen and clear out mucus. This allows you to gently blow and clear out your nose.

Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after blowing your nose. You may want to go to another room, away from other people, to blow your nose. This can help prevent the spread of germs to others.

Managing nasal congestion

Nasal congestion can feel very uncomfortable. It may require daily management until the cold symptoms, the flu, or your allergies (such as hay fever) have gone away. Here’s advice on how to manage your stuffy nose.

Blow your nose

Blowing your nose reduces congestion. But you don’t want to blow your nose forcefully into a tissue. If you blow too hard, it can push germ-carrying mucus back into your sinuses and into your middle ear. This can increase sinus pain and cause an ear infection. Blowing your nose too hard can also cause headaches or nosebleeds.

If you sound like a goose honking when you blow your nose, then you’re likely blowing too hard.

Use nasal decongestants

Over-the-counter nasal decongestants are available as pills, liquids, eye drops and nasal sprays. These can help in clearing congestion and reducing excess mucus. They work by shrinking blood vessels lining the nasal passage and reducing the amount of fluid that leaks into tissues lining the nose.

Decongestant sprays and eye drops are for short-term use. They should not be used for more than 3-5 days or your congestion might worsen. Make sure to follow the directions on the package.

If you have a preexisting health condition such as high blood pressure, make sure to ask your doctor if these medications are safe for you.

Drink fluids

When dealing with congestion, stay hydrated. This is important to help keep mucus thin. Hot showers or inhaling warm steam from a bowl can also help thin out mucus.

Use a humidifier

Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air. This can help loosen thick mucus. When using a humidifier, empty the water daily and replace it with fresh water. Make sure to clean it regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Proper cleaning is especially important for allergy sufferers to avoid dust mites and mold

Try a nasal wash or nasal strips

Do a nasal wash using a rinsing device such as a neti pot. This can be helpful in rinsing out nasal passages, clearing excess mucus and shrinking swollen membranes. Some people find that nasal strips are helpful in managing congestion and keeping the nasal passages open.

Nasal washes consist of a solution of saltwater (sodium chloride) and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) inside a rinsing device like a neti pot. You can buy premixed solution packets at pharmacies or allergy supply stores – or make your own. Neti pots look like teapots except with a longer spout. They are also available at most pharmacies. Neti pots need to be cleaned regularly. They should not be shared – the last thing you want is to spread germs. Do not use tap water you can get a deadly infection. Only use distilled water or water that’s been boiled and cooled. Also clean these devices regularly according to manufacturer instructions.

If you use a nasal corticosteroid or antihistamine spray, do the nasal wash before using the spray. The medication works better and reaches deeper into the nose and sinuses when it is sprayed onto clean and decongested nasal membranes.

Get appropriate rest

If your nasal congestion is due to an illness, like a cold or the flu, you also need to get adequate rest, eat healthy, and drink lots of fluids. Don’t hesitate to seek medical care if needed.

Dealing with a runny nose

We have all been there – when you feel like your runny nose is a dripping water faucet. Not only is it annoying, but it is also an easy way to spread germs.

A runny nose can occur from a cold, the flu, allergies or even changes in the weather. You will obviously want to keep tissues nearby to wipe away mucus and for nose blowing. Make sure to use a clean tissue and then wash your hands afterwards. Also, try not to touch your nose and eyes. This can help reduce the risk of infection.

Treatment for a runny nose includes medication. If allergies are the cause, you can take over-the-counter antihistamines (either pills or nasal sprays). In addition, a saline nasal spray can help clear out mucus and soothe nasal passages.

You can also inhale steam and use a humidifier to add moisture to the air and loosen mucus. Drinking plenty of fluids can help clear out mucus and help drain the nose.