Correct Nose Blowing Technique

The nose is more sensitive than you might think. Because of the connection between your nose and sinuses, it can be easy to injure or strain this delicate facial feature doing something as simply as blowing your nose. Blowing your nose typically falls into the category of things you've always known how to do. But, using correct nose-blowing technique prevents nostril irritation and keeps mucus from becoming trapped in your sinuses.

Things You'll Need

• Thick, soft tissues

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Instructions

• 1

  Use soft, thick tissues for one use only. Don't skimp on tissue quality. Rough and scratchy tissues can cause irritation, leading to broken skin and increasing the risk of bacterial infections like impetigo or a bloody nose.

• 2

  Empty one nostril at a time. Place your finger over one nostril and gently blow with the other. Switch nostrils and repeat. Single nostril blowing relieves congestion and protects your sinuses from a highly pressurized double nostril blow.

• 3

  Keep your mouth open slightly when blowing to avoid damage to your eardrums. According to Columbia University's Alice! Health Promotion Program, blowing in small puffs, rather than a large "honk" also prevents damage to nostrils and ears.

• 4

  Dispose of your tissue immediately after blowing your nose. Avoid using cloth handkerchiefs that enable reuse. Reusing tissues exposes your nose, hands and people around you to germs and bacteria you're trying eliminate.

• 5

  Wash your hands or use anti-bacterial gel after throwing away your used tissue. This prevents contamination of items others use frequently like door handles and stair rails. Hand washing also prevents you from contracting other types of bacterial infections on your face and body.