How to Relieve Pain from Frequent Nose Blowing

Frequent nose blowing caused by allergies, colds, or dry, cold weather can lead to nose pain. The sensitive tissues around and inside the nose become dry and cracked from repeatedly enduring the "small shocks" from blowing and wiping the nose. Allergies are particularly troublesome as this condition can last longer than a cold or flu, often stretching beyond one or two weeks. Regardless of the cause, you can take the following steps to ease the discomfort.

Apply Moisturizer Around the Nostrils. It’s best to use pure petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, or ointments like Neosporin. Use a cotton swab to apply a small amount of the product and gently rub it around the entrance of the nostrils. The moisturizer helps prevent dryness and also forms a barrier against irritation caused by a runny nose.

• If you don’t have products like Vaseline or Neosporin, you can use regular facial oil. Although facial oils don’t moisturize as effectively, they still provide some relief from the discomfort.

Purchase Moisturizing Oil-infused Tissues. If you're willing to spend a little more, there are high-quality facial tissues that can soothe your nose. Look for products infused with oils as they are less likely to cause irritation and help reduce discomfort. Using these tissues reduces the chances of damaging your nose, which ultimately leads to long-term relief.

Use a Warm, Damp Towel on Your Nose. If your nose is severely scraped or bleeding, it's helpful to provide warm moisture to ease the pain. Soak a towel in hot water and gently press it to your nostrils. Tilt your head back and keep the towel in place until it cools to room temperature. During this time, breathe through your mouth.

• After using the towel, apply pure petroleum jelly or Neosporin to the nose.
• Dispose of the towel or wash it immediately after use.

Reduce Nose Blowing. A stuffy or runny nose can be very uncomfortable, making you want to blow your nose frequently. Resist this urge, even if it’s difficult. If you’re home alone, try only blowing your nose when absolutely necessary. If mucus is dripping, gently dab it instead of forcefully blowing it into a dry tissue, which can irritate the nose further.

Apply Gentle Nose Blowing Technique. Instead of inhaling deeply and blowing hard, try to blow your nose gently to minimize damage. Blow softly through one nostril at a time, alternating between both nostrils until they are clear.

• Always thin the mucus first using nasal decongestion techniques before blowing your nose.

Seek Medical Treatment for Allergies. A doctor may prescribe antihistamines to help manage the condition. Whether through allergy shots or using Flonase nasal spray, your nose will feel much better once your allergies are under control.

• Be aware that oral decongestants can dry out mucus, potentially making your nose even more uncomfortable.

Loosen Mucus in the Nose. There are several methods to help thin the mucus in the nose, which causes congestion. If you take a little time to apply these techniques, the effectiveness of blowing your nose will significantly improve. The need to blow your nose will also decrease over time, which reduces nose damage. You should practice the following nasal decongestion techniques as needed and always blow your nose afterward.

Sit in a Steamy Room. A steam room is an ideal place to clear a stuffy nose and relax after a long day. If you don't have access to one, you can create the same effect by using your bathroom. Turn on hot water in the shower and close the door to trap the steam inside. Sit in the bathroom for 3-5 minutes or until the mucus loosens and becomes thinner. Gently blow your nose before leaving the bathroom.

• To conserve water, only blow your nose after the steam treatment.

Apply a Warm Compress to the Bridge of Your Nose. Place a damp washcloth in the microwave until it is warm but not too hot. The time in the microwave depends on your microwave's power, so start by microwaving it for 30 seconds, then add 15-second intervals as needed to check the temperature. The cloth should be hot enough to provide relief but still bearable. Place it across your nose and leave it on until the heat dissipates. The warmth will help loosen the mucus even if you are only compressing the outside of your nostrils.

• Repeat if necessary before blowing your nose.

Rinse Your Nose with Saline Solution. This involves using a saline solution to rinse your nasal passages, which is available at most pharmacies. Use a saline spray bottle to spray each nostril twice to loosen the mucus. If you don't want to purchase it, you can make your own saline solution at home:

• Mix about 250 ml of warm water with 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
• Buy a suction bulb from a pharmacy or supermarket, and use it to rinse both nostrils with the saline solution you just made.

Use a Specialized Nasal Irrigation Bottle. A nasal irrigation bottle, resembling a small teapot, helps clear sinus congestion by directing warm water into one nostril and allowing it to exit through the other. Boil water to a minimum of 49°C to eliminate harmful bacteria, then cool it to a safe temperature before using the irrigation bottle. Tilt your head and pour water into your right nostril, ensuring your head stays tilted so the water flows out of the left nostril.

• If you live in an area with untreated water sources, consider avoiding nasal irrigation bottles as there have been reports of amoeba infections from tap water.

Drink Warm Tea Regularly. The throat and nasal passages are closely linked, so consuming warm liquids will also help warm up the nasal cavity. Just like inhaling steam, drinking warm tea aids in moving mucus more easily. You can enjoy any type of tea you prefer, but it's best to choose one that targets cold symptoms if you're feeling under the weather. Look for cold or flu remedies at your local supermarket or pharmacy. Peppermint and clove teas are especially soothing for the throat and help clear the nasal passages.

Exercise If Health Permits. While it's important to rest if you're severely ill with a cold or flu, exercising is a great option if allergies are causing your runny nose. Physical activity increases your heart rate and causes you to sweat, which has the added benefit of thinning mucus. Just 15 minutes of exercise can be effective, but be sure to avoid allergens. For example, if you're allergic to pollen, avoid running outdoors.

Eat Spicy Foods. Think back to a time when you ate something really spicy—did you experience a runny nose? That's the perfect condition for blowing your nose, so consider eating hot chili peppers, spicy pepper, or anything that triggers nasal discharge. Blow your nose as soon as the mucus is still thin so it can flow out easily.

Purchase a Humidifier. You can buy a humidifier at your local pharmacy to help keep the air moist while you sleep. Choose a model that generates cool mist, as warm mist may worsen congestion. Set the humidifier to maintain an optimal humidity level of 45-50%.

• Tabletop humidifiers typically hold between 4-15 liters of water, and you should change the water daily. Clean the water tank thoroughly every three days.
• The best filters are HEPA filters, and you should replace them as recommended by the manufacturer.

Massaging the sinus area can help clear nasal passages, making it easier to expel mucus. To enhance the effect, you can use essential oils like rosemary, peppermint, or lavender, but be careful not to let the oils come into contact with your eyes. Finally, rinse your face with a warm, damp cloth. Use your index and middle fingers to gently massage in circular motions upwards:

• Forehead (frontal sinus)
• Bridge of the nose and temples (ethmoidal sinus)
• Under the eyes (maxillary sinus)

• If you have sinusitis, a cold, or the flu that lasts for more than a week without improvement, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms may include thick, green nasal discharge and sinus headache.
• Although rare, Vaseline applied under the nose can sometimes be inhaled into the lungs and cause lipoid pneumonia. Avoid using Vaseline too often and alternate with other moisturizing agents.