Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SR)

Washington, Jul 12: It is a common practice to blow the nose during a nasal congestion due to cold and fever thinking that it would provide a speedy recovery. However, recent studies show that blowing the nose during cold could lead to further infections.

A recent study conducted by Dr J Owen Hendley and other researchers at the University of Virginia revealed that coughing and sneezing generate little pressure on the nasal cavities compared to blowing the nose.

While blowing the nose, each nostril can move approximately one millimeter of mucus into the sinuses. Moreover, coughing and sneezing produce only one-tenth of the pressure generated compared to blowing.

The study revealed that the enormous pressure on the nasal cavity while blowing the nose is equal to a person’s diastolic blood pressure reading. Though it is still unclear whether entry of mucus in the sinus is harmful or not but it is true that the entry of viruses or bacteria in the sinus when one is sick can lead to further infection.

As per experts, the best way to get rid of nasal congestion is to blow one nostril at a time and to take decongestants. This prevents the buildup of excess pressure on the nasal sinuses. It is advised to start treatment as soon as you experience the onset of flu/cold rather than waiting for a day or two to see if it will subside.