From the Guidelines
Blowing your nose is not a good idea, especially when you have a nosebleed or are prone to nosebleeds, as it can dislodge clots and restart bleeding. According to the clinical practice guideline on nosebleeds 1, eliminating contributing factors such as vigorous nose blowing can help reduce or prevent nosebleeds. The guideline recommends moistening and lubricating the nose with nasal saline and gels, and using a humidifier at the bedside to help prevent nosebleeds.
When a nosebleed occurs, the guideline suggests leaning forward and pinching the soft part of the nose for at least 5 minutes to stop the bleeding 1. If the bleeding slows, continue holding for a full 15 minutes. Nasal saline gel or spray can help moisturize the tissues inside the nose, and oxymetazoline and phenylephrine are nasal spray decongestants that can help slow nosebleeds 1. However, blowing the nose should be done gently and only to clear any clots, and then nasal spray decongestants can be used.
It's essential to treat the nose with care to allow the area to heal, and avoid nose blowing, strenuous activity, heavy lifting, or placing any cotton or tissues in the nose for at least a week 1. Saline gel or spray can be used to help lubricate the nose 1 to 3 times a day. If you are on blood-thinning medication and experience frequent nosebleeds, it's crucial to consult with your clinician, as these medications are usually given to treat or prevent serious medical problems 1.
Key points to consider:
- Avoid vigorous nose blowing to prevent nosebleeds
- Use nasal saline and gels to moisturize the nose
- Lean forward and pinch the soft part of the nose to stop bleeding
- Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, or placing any cotton or tissues in the nose for at least a week after a nosebleed
- Consult with your clinician if you are on blood-thinning medication and experience frequent nosebleeds 1.
From the Research
Blowing Your Nose: Is it a Good Idea?
- Blowing your nose can be beneficial in getting rid of mucus and maintaining nasal patency, as shown in a study by 2 which found that nose-blowing without pinching was as effective as the pinch and blow method in maintaining nasal patency.
- However, another study by 3 found that pressures generated during nose blowing can be high, especially in patients with chronic sinusitis, which could have an important role in the pathophysiology of the disease.
- A study by 4 found that it is normal to sneeze and blow the nose less than 4 times a day, and that a higher number can be a sign of rhinitis.
- As an alternative to blowing your nose, saline irrigation has been shown to be effective in reducing patient-reported disease severity in patients with allergic rhinitis, as found in a study by 5.
- Nasal douching, also known as nasal washout, irrigation or lavage, is recommended to clear mucus and allergens from the nose, and can be used as a baseline preparation treatment or alone to reduce the symptoms of sinonasal disease and/or allergy, as stated in an article by 6.
When to Blow Your Nose
- If you have a common cold or allergic rhinitis, blowing your nose can help get rid of mucus and reduce congestion, as shown in the study by 2.
- However, if you have chronic sinusitis, you should be cautious when blowing your nose, as the high pressures generated can exacerbate the condition, as found in the study by 3.
Alternatives to Blowing Your Nose
- Saline irrigation is a safe and effective alternative to blowing your nose, and can be used to reduce patient-reported disease severity in patients with allergic rhinitis, as found in the study by 5.
- Nasal douching can also be used to clear mucus and allergens from the nose, and can be performed using a home-made solution or ready-mixed products, as stated in the article by 6.