Does Blowing Your Nose Make Cold Symptoms Worse?

At Portsmouth Family Care, we often hear from patients wondering whether blowing their nose during a cold might make their symptoms worse. It’s a common concern, especially when dealing with that stuffy or runny nose that comes with many colds.

Blowing your nose can help clear mucus from your nasal passages, providing temporary relief from congestion. However, research shows that blowing your nose too forcefully may actually push some mucus back into your sinuses, increasing the risk of developing a sinus infection or prolonging inflammation. While this doesn’t worsen the cold virus itself, it can make you feel more uncomfortable or slow down your recovery.

Our Advice at Portsmouth Family Care:

• Blow your nose gently, and try to clear one nostril at a time.

• Avoid using excessive force, which can irritate the sensitive lining of your nose and even cause small blood vessels to rupture, leading to nosebleeds or additional swelling.

• Consider using a saline nasal spray or rinse, which can help clear your nasal passages in a gentle, effective way.

Remember, gentle nose blowing is safe and can help you feel more comfortable while you recover. If you notice persistent pain, frequent nosebleeds, or cold symptoms that don’t improve after a week, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with Portsmouth Family Care. Our team is here to help you manage your symptoms and ensure a smooth recovery.

We know that blowing your nose is a common part of managing a cold or allergies, as it helps clear mucus and relieve congestion. However, did you know that blowing your nose too hard can actually cause more harm than good?

Forceful nose blowing creates significant pressure in your nasal passages, which can push mucus—and any bacteria or viruses it contains—back into your sinus cavities. This increases your risk for sinus infections (sinusitis), a condition we frequently help patients manage here at Portsmouth Family Care.

Aggressive nose blowing can also irritate the delicate lining of your nasal passages, leading to swelling, worsening congestion, and even minor nosebleeds. In rare cases, it can cause air to enter the tissues around your eyes, resulting in periorbital emphysema.

Our Portsmouth Family Care providers recommend the following tips for healthy sinus care:

• Blow your nose gently, one nostril at a time, to minimize pressure.
• Use soft tissues to reduce irritation.
• Stay well-hydrated to keep mucus thin and easier to clear.
• Consider saline nasal sprays or rinses, which are safe and effective for most patients.

If you or your family members experience persistent sinus pain, pressure, or symptoms that may suggest a sinus infection, schedule an appointment with Portsmouth Family Care. Our experienced healthcare team is here to provide the evaluation and personalized treatment you need to feel your best.

At Portsmouth Family Care, we know that blowing your nose is a natural response when you have a cold, as it helps clear mucus and can provide some relief from congestion. However, our healthcare providers want to remind you that blowing your nose too often or too forcefully isn’t always the best approach. Research shows that vigorous nose blowing can sometimes push mucus back into the sinuses, potentially causing more inflammation or even increasing your risk of a sinus infection.

For our patients here at Portsmouth Family Care, we recommend gentle nose blowing as a safe way to manage mucus, but caution against overdoing it. Instead of relying only on tissues, consider using saline sprays or nasal rinses—these can help keep your nasal passages moist and clear without causing irritation. Staying well-hydrated, getting plenty of rest, and using a humidifier at home can all support your recovery.

Remember, while blowing your nose may give short-term relief, it won’t speed up your recovery from a cold, since your immune system needs time to fight off the virus. If your symptoms are persistent, severe, or you’re concerned about sinus issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to your care team at Portsmouth Family Care. We’re here to help you feel your best!

At Portsmouth Family Care, we want to help our community stay healthy—especially during cold and flu season. Many patients ask us about the best ways to prevent the spread of colds, and one common question is whether blowing your nose can spread germs.

While cold viruses like rhinovirus are mostly spread through respiratory droplets when someone coughs, sneezes, or talks, blowing your nose can also play a role in the spread of germs. When you blow your nose, viruses can get onto your hands, tissues, and surfaces around you. If you don’t throw away used tissues right away or forget to wash your hands afterward, you might unintentionally pass those germs to others.

At Portsmouth Family Care, we recommend the following simple steps to protect yourself and those around you:

• Always use disposable tissues and throw them away immediately after use.

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after blowing your nose. If soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

• Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, or mouth after handling used tissues.

• Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces at home and work, especially if you or a family member is sick.

Our team at Portsmouth Family Care is here to answer your questions and provide guidance on preventing the spread of illness. If you or a loved one has questions about cold symptoms or needs advice on managing a cold, don’t hesitate to contact us or schedule an appointment. We’re committed to keeping Portsmouth healthy! We are conveniently located at 101 Shattuck Way Suite 2 Newington, NH 03801. We serve patients from Portsmouth NH, Newington NH, Durham NH, Madbury NH, Dover NH, Greenland NH, Stratham NH and surrounding areas.