You're blowing your nose badly! The doctor shows the risks that you may face

If there's ever a season for a runny nose, it's the festive season.

But chances are, you've been doing it all wrong, and you could be putting yourself at risk for ear infections and constant nosebleeds. 

According to Dr. Zachary Rubin, a pediatric allergist based in Chicago, blowing air and mucus out of both nostrils can put too much pressure on the delicate nasal passages, damaging them.

This pressure can push viruses and bacteria from the nasal region to the back of the nasal passage, where it can be 'dangerous', Dr Rubin said.

This is because the Eustachian tubes sit at the back of the throat, which connect the nose to the middle ear. 

"If you blow too hard, you can move mucus, bacteria and viruses into that tube and potentially increase your risk of ear infection," Dr Rubin told his 487,000 Instagram followers. 

A strong nose blow can also cause a rapid change in pressure behind the eardrum, which can cause earaches and, in rare cases, a ruptured eardrum, according to doctors.

In very rare cases, blowing your nose with too much force can break small bones inside the inner ear, according to Dr Carl Philpott, professor of rhinology at the University of East Anglia. 

Dr Philpott said: "Very rarely, we see people who cause a fracture in the thin bone between the eye socket and the sinuses from exhaling too forcefully."

So what should you do instead?

Dr. Rubin said, "The best way to blow your nose is to cover one nostril and blow slowly into a beanbag." 

Then, you do it on the other side and then wash your hands with soap and water to make sure you're not spreading germs to other people.

Using too much pressure can cause nosebleeds, as it can put the blood vessels in the nose under such great strain that they burst.

These types of nosebleeds usually stop on their own and do not require medical attention. 

A stuffy or congested nose occurs when the thin tissues that line it swell and the immune system produces mucus to fight infection. 

In addition to leaving you with an endless stream of snot, your nasal passages can become narrowed, making it a little more difficult to breathe through your nose.

But it's not just the cold that can clog your nose. Allergies, a sinus infection, and certain medications can lead to the same symptoms.

Pharmacists recommend alternatives to nasal congestion, such as over-the-counter sprays and 'steaming' mucus by placing your head over a bowl of hot water. 

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