Whenever I catch a cold, I find myself yearning for the days when I could breathe without any hindrance. Like many individuals, my first instinct is to grab a tissue and blow my nose, and there's a good reason for this. On average, the human nose produces 1 to 2 liters of mucus each day—when we're unwell, it thickens the mucus to trap viruses.

Blowing one's nose expels the thickened mucus, offering temporary relief, as explained by Dr. Peter Filip, a specialist in rhinology and skull base surgery at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. However, before you forcefully blow your nose, it's important to understand that doing so correctly is crucial. Excessive force can actually intensify your cold symptoms. Dr. Filip notes that while blowing your nose offers temporary relief, there are more effective methods to clear mucus and provide long-term benefits.

Ear, nose, and throat specialists, or ENTs, suggest abandoning tissues in favor of saltwater sprays. If you choose to blow your nose, it's essential to consider your technique. Overblowing can lead to a reverse pressure that causes fluid to drain from the sinuses, which means you could be pushing mucus back into the sinuses with each forceful blow.

In a significant study conducted in 2000, researchers traced the path of mucus by placing dye in people's noses and observed where it went when they blew forcefully. Imaging scans revealed that the dye moved backward into the sinuses from the nasal cavity. Dr. Filip explains, "While some mucus is expelled, there's an effect of pushing mucus back into the sinuses in a direction you wouldn't want it to go, potentially worsening an infection."

Dr. Kanwar Kelley, an ENT in California and co-founder of Side Health, adds that the fluid from the sinuses could travel through the Eustachian tube, a narrow passage connecting the back of the nose to the middle ear. A sudden surge of pressure and fluid into the middle ear could potentially rupture the eardrum, allowing bacteria and viruses to enter and cause an ear infection. However, Dr. Kelley notes that it's quite rare to blow out your eardrums from nose blowing, as it requires a significant amount of force.

Forceful nose blowing can also damage blood vessels, leading to nosebleeds, according to Dr. Filip. When the mucus linings are inflamed or dried out, blood vessels become exposed. The blood vessels at the front of the nose are particularly susceptible to bursting from the pressure of nose blowing. Dr. Filip warns that excessive nose blowing throughout the day can further irritate the nasal lining, leading to more swelling and even nosebleeds. He also mentions that using rough tissues and constant nose-picking can increase the risk of nosebleeds.

Nasal vestibulitis, a bacterial infection near the nasal entrance, can cause pimples and boils. Dr. Kelley explains that the force from constant nose blowing and the friction of rough tissues can irritate the nasal area, creating micro-cuts that provide an opportunity for bacteria to cause infection. Staphylococcus aureus is often the bacterium responsible for nasal vestibulitis. In extreme cases, there have been reports of individuals causing an orbital fracture by blowing their noses too hard, resulting in eye swelling and potential vision loss in the affected eye. In such instances, the high intranasal pressure fractures one of the bones of the eye socket. Dr. Filip reassures that these are extremely rare occurrences, and individuals were able to recover once they ceased forceful nose blowing.

Experts are divided on whether forceful nose blowing can cause headaches, as those with runny noses often have flu or cold symptoms that can induce migraines. Dr. Filip suggests that harsh nose blowing might cause or worsen headaches due to the backward pressure on the sinuses. To avoid side effects, it's recommended to opt for gentle nose blowing every time, as advised by Dr. Kelley.

He recommends placing a finger over the nostril opposite the one being blown, closing it to prevent air from escaping, and then blowing gently to expel air and mucus through the desired nostril. Dr. Kelley also suggests using softer, more moisturized tissues to prevent irritation on the outside of the nose, looking for tissues with ingredients like aloe and menthol that moisturize and soothe the skin.

One of the best ways to clear congestion is through saline irrigation, according to Dr. Filip. The saltwater solution clears the nasal cavity, flushing away mucus, bacteria, and other irritants. "People with a common cold or sinus infection find relief with saline irrigation, improving both nasal breathing and mucus clearance," he says. Nasal decongestants are another option for clearing a stuffy nose, with popular options containing phenylephrine and oxymetazoline to reduce swelling in blood vessels and open airways. Dr. Filip notes that these nasal decongestants are effective for quick relief but cautions against using them for more than three days, as overuse can diminish their effectiveness. Moreover, excessive use of these topical sprays can lead to a condition called rhinitis medicamentosa, causing more inflammation and congestion in the nostrils.

Warm compresses over the face and steam can also help loosen mucus, allowing it to drain naturally, as suggested by Dr. Kelley.