Does Blowing Your Nose Make Cold Symptoms Worse?

Recognizing the signs that your cold is improving can provide a sense of relief and help you know that you are on the road to recovery. A cold typically runs its course in about 7 to 10 days, with symptoms peaking in the middle of that period. As your body’s immune system successfully fights off the virus, you will begin to notice a gradual decrease in the severity of your symptoms. Here are some of the key signs that your cold is getting better:

• Less Nasal Congestion and Sneezing: The runny nose, stuffy nose, and sneezing that were so prominent will start to subside. While your mucus might initially become thicker and change color (from clear to yellow or green) as your body fights the infection, it should eventually thin out and clear up again.

• Reduced Pain: Aches and pains, including headaches, body aches, and a sore throat, should begin to lessen. You will likely feel more comfortable and be able to move around with greater ease.

• Increased Energy: Colds often cause significant fatigue, leaving you feeling tired and lethargic. A clear sign of improvement is when your energy levels start to return to normal, and you feel less exhausted and more like yourself.

• Decreased Coughing: While a cough can sometimes be the last symptom to fully resolve, it should become less frequent and severe. A lingering cough is common even after other symptoms have gone away, but it should gradually improve over time.

• No Fever: If you had a low-grade fever at the beginning of your cold, a sign of recovery is when it breaks and doesn’t return.

At Fresno Medical Center, your health is our priority. We are here to help you get on the right path to prevention and wellness, and to address any complications that may arise. Our team provides compassionate, personalized care to help you feel your best. We are committed to supporting you every step of the way on your health journey.

At Fresno Medical Center, we often see patients who are dealing with stuffy or runny noses, especially during cold and allergy season. While blowing your nose may seem like the best way to relieve congestion, it’s important to know that doing so forcefully can sometimes make your symptoms worse.

When you blow your nose too hard, the pressure can push mucus back into your sinus cavities, which may increase congestion and cause sinus discomfort or even pain. Additionally, frequent or vigorous blowing can irritate the sensitive lining inside your nostrils, leading to swelling, increased inflammation, and a more blocked or sore nose. In some cases, this irritation can also cause tiny blood vessels in your nasal passages to break, resulting in nosebleeds.

At Fresno Medical Center, Dr. Gurmej Dhillon, MD, recommends gently blowing your nose and only doing so when necessary. If you’re experiencing persistent nasal symptoms or discomfort, our team is here to help you find effective, gentle relief and to address any underlying conditions.

We often see patients experiencing irritation and discomfort from excessive nose-blowing, especially during allergy or cold seasons. Blowing your nose excessively or forcefully can indeed lead to more irritation and discomfort. While gentle nose-blowing is a good way to clear mucus and find relief from congestion, doing it too hard or too often can cause a variety of problems.

Excessive nose-blowing can irritate the delicate lining of your nasal passages, causing it to become inflamed and swollen. This can worsen congestion and lead to a cycle of needing to blow your nose even more. The friction from tissues can also make the skin around your nostrils red, raw, and sore. Furthermore, forceful blowing can create pressure that pushes germ-carrying mucus back into your sinuses or ears, potentially leading to a sinus or ear infection. In more severe, though rare, cases, this pressure can even cause nosebleeds or damage to the eardrums.

If you continue to struggle with nasal symptoms or have concerns about nosebleeds, Fresno Medical Center is here to help. Our team is dedicated to helping you breathe easier and keep your nasal health in check. We offer personalized care to address your unique needs and ensure long-term relief.

Letting your nose run when you have a cold is generally a good idea, as it’s a natural and effective defense mechanism. The mucus produced during a cold contains immune cells and enzymes that help trap and disable viruses and bacteria. By allowing the mucus to flow, you are helping your body flush these pathogens out of your system. Suppressing this process with powerful decongestants can sometimes slow down your body’s natural clearing process, potentially prolonging the duration of your symptoms.

While it’s beneficial to let your nose run its course, you don’t have to endure constant dripping. Gentle nose-blowing is perfectly fine and can provide relief from discomfort and congestion. However, it’s crucial to blow gently to avoid creating excessive pressure that could force mucus and germs into your sinuses or ears, which can sometimes lead to complications like a sinus infection. To manage the symptoms, consider using a saline spray to thin the mucus and make it easier to clear, or use a humidifier to soothe your nasal passages. Ultimately, the goal is to work with your body’s natural defenses, not against them.

At Fresno Medical Center, our healthcare professionals are here to help you feel better and answer any questions you may have about your symptoms. We are committed to providing personalized care and creating a treatment plan that’s right for you. We understand that navigating health concerns can be challenging, and we’re here to provide the support and expertise you need to make informed decisions about your health. Contact us for more information or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 6069 N First Street Suite 103 Fresno, CA 93710, USA. We serve patients from Fresno CA, Clovis CA, West Park CA, Mayfair CA, Muscatel CA, Burness CA, Lone Star CA and surrounding areas.