Have had an absolute stinker of a cold this week (even took a day off work because I felt like death) and my girlfriend keeps telling me to stop sniffing and start blowing. Thing is.... does it work? Does blowing your nose work? Whenever I blow my nose I don't feel any relief. Is there any scientific proof that blowing your nose makes it any better - or is it just light relief for those who have to listen to you sniffing?

it doesnt usually work, because the more u blow the more ur nose fills with more snott :P

but its better to blow than sniff, as i learnt!

i used to get bad colds all the time and hardly ever blew my nose and because i spent most of the time sniffing instead alot of the time id end up with really bad sinusitis.

so since then i ALWAYS blow my nose! :P

i suggest u do the same!:thumbsup:

Definitely feel better for blowing. First one nostril and then the other.. If you have a tissue to blow it all into so much the better. Thats my scientific results, based upon a sample size of one.

Originally posted by x_LoUiSe_x
id end up with really bad sinusitis.

What's that? Sounds serious! Begun blowing nose yesterday (had to get big extra mansize tissues) and I must admit there's something quite gratifying about blasting all that snott out.

Originally posted by JonJParr
What's that? Sounds serious! Begun blowing nose yesterday (had to get big extra mansize tissues) and I must admit there's something quite gratifying about blasting all that snott out.

siniusitis is where all the tubes that go from ur nose in to ur forehead or wherever they go (not sure really but most of the pain is in ur forehead) get blocked and infected, n believe me it reeeeeeeaaaaallllly hurts! when i first got it the docs thought i had meningitis for a while!

http://www.entnet.org/healthinfo/sinus/sinusitis.cfm
http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/lung/sinusitis.html

How is this even an issue? Do you seriously think you might be better off keeping all that slimy gunk inside your head?

Better out than in! :thumbsup:

Originally posted by Fantomas
How is this even an issue? Do you seriously think you might be better off keeping all that slimy gunk inside your head?

Better out than in! :thumbsup:

I guess not - I just never used to like the feeling of blowing my nose.

Originally posted by Fantomas
How is this even an issue? Do you seriously think you might be better off keeping all that slimy gunk inside your head?

Better out than in! :thumbsup:

and when uve got a really bad cold, no matter how much u blow it just fills up agen so u think, whats the point in blowing if it gonna fill up agen? :P lol

The memories come flooding back.

No such thing as tissues, everyone carried a proper 'hanky' and it lasted all day.

25 'nose-blows' by tea time, and kept in the same trouser pocket as the small change, house keys, and the sweets they used to give you as a reward.

I can see the old folk pulling out the 'hanky', opening it up with a ripping noise, looking for a dry, not-too-crinkly corner and letting rip before carefully folding it-wet patch covered-and stuffing it back into the same pocket as the barley sugars.

That's why I used my sleeve instead. 'Green Sleeves' my mum used to call me.

Barley Sugar anyone??:gag:

The snot etc is the product of your immune system fighting off the cold.

Sniffing it all back in is a bit daft, your body is trying to expel it.

Sit with your head back, then it runs down your throat instead.

Sounds gross, but stops your nose running.

Originally posted by nick2
Sit with your head back, then it runs down your throat instead.

Sounds gross, but stops your nose running.

That does sound gross. :gag:

If you must blow do it gently. Vigourous blowing can cause mucus back into the sinuses.

Think twice about blowing your nose (http://exn.ca/Templates/Story.cfm?ID=1999092965)

QUOTE "It appears that it's quite likely that if you do blow your nose, then there's a potential you could be worsening your cold," he suggests. That's because the severity of a cold may be increased if mucus accumulates in the sinuses especially if there is a secondary bacterial infection of the sinus itself.

Steam inhalation may help. (http://www.essentialoils.co.za/steam_inhalation.htm)

With the amount of yukky stuff I have blown out of my nose this week due to a chest infection it certainly does make a difference.

I could have filled up a dozen tubs and flogged it at a boot sale as that kids slime stuff!!! :gag:

1. To those who complain about sniffing, how is a loud honking nose blowing session any more pleasant for those sitting nearby? Theres a guy in my office who blows his nose so loud I jump each time. Please! Someone tell him to sniff.

2. It strikes me as rather unhygienic to store all that gunk from your nose up your sleeve in a nice warm place where all the bacteria can start growing again.

I have a cold at the moment and have been blowing like you wouldn't believe. I have been using a hankie but am thinking of investing in some coated tissues as my nose is now red raw and I look like Rudolph.

Despite lots of blowing and smelling tampon shaped Vicks things its got me nowhere as no sooner have I blown it's full again. :gag:

I am scared of sniffing because I know someone who when she was a child used to sniff so much the gunk all went into her sinuses. Docters had to break her nose and suck it out with tubes, this I don't really want to happen to me.

Originally posted by nick2
Sit with your head back, then it runs down your throat instead.

Sounds gross, but stops your nose running.

Mmm and where do you think it goes then?????

If you sniff, it can go in your lungs - next step chest infection

If you swallow........... thats another story!

Just thpought I'd scare you a bit!

A friend who sneezed very hard and held his nose tight as he was in a crowded university lecture room actually cracked his skull due the ferocious force of the sneeze. He had to spend a while in bed to recover.


Also it is best to clear your nose, tried to teach my horse to blow his, but couldn't - vet comes tomorrow to flush his tubes out with a hose! YUCK! She said its blocked because he didn't cough and sneeze enough to clear it all out. Apparently it sits in your sinuses and builds up further infections and you (or your horse) can get really sick from it. And she says they do the flushing thing to people too, in hospital and its VILE.

So do sneeze and do blow, and I can recommend Vikcs, Olbas Oil, and any menthol and eucalyptus remedies. Also very best one is to inhale menthol steam. Buy menthol crystals from your chemist put in boiling water in a bowl, stick your head over it and cover with a towel. Stick it out as long as you can bear it. Your nose and eyes will sting and stream, but do it twice a day and it will be very effective indeed. If you can bear it try chewing a clove of raw garlic too, best on throat infections but will help a cold too. don't swallow it gives you burning indegestion.

Hope you feel better soon anyway.

if ya dont close ur eyes when u sneeze ur eyes will pop out :D

try it i bet u cant do it without shuting them :P

Head to the nearest steam room and stay there for 30mins!!!

Warning- take something to wipe ur nose on!!!!

lol i have had a cold all week so when i saw this thread i had to check it wasn't me that started it, haha. I never used to blow my nose, but this week I have really had to (and what results is pretty disgusting) it does feel better out than in, but it looks horrible and my boyfriend said i sound like an elephent snoring :(

snot snot snot i like it nice n hot, lmao

:gag: :gag: :gag:

Originally posted by saxon51

That's why I used my sleeve instead. 'Green Sleeves' my mum used to call me.


Some kids never learned to use their sleeves, - always a few around with permanent dewdrops hanging from one or both nostrils :D

Whenever you blow your nose - why do you have to take a look inside the tissue ??

it's not like there is going to be anything unexpected in there

or

anything nice to look at.....

but we check it out all the same !!!:hihi:

Yes I think blowing your nose is a good idea, but it only really works if you have nice thick sticky snot. Then you can clear it out and don't have to blow it for a while.
However, I find that if you have that really runny, clear snot then the best option (not neccessarily the most lady like - do it in the privacy of your own home) is to get two wads of tissue and stuff them up your nose, like nasal tampons. This stops your nose getting sore from constant blowing and prevents the very runny snot from dripping all down you!
Hurray!!

Originally posted by Badjogger
Yes I think blowing your nose is a good idea, but it only really works if you have nice thick sticky snot. Then you can clear it out and don't have to blow it for a while.
However, I find that if you have that really runny, clear snot then the best option (not neccessarily the most lady like - do it in the privacy of your own home) is to get two wads of tissue and stuff them up your nose, like nasal tampons. This stops your nose getting sore from constant blowing and prevents the very runny snot from dripping all down you!
Hurray!!

i used to have a friend who when she had a cold used to put real tampons up her nose? :loopy:

Originally posted by x_LoUiSe_x
if ya dont close ur eyes when u sneeze ur eyes will pop out :D

try it i bet u cant do it without shuting them :P

I've also heard this tale... Its not true...

I can and have managed to sneeze several times with my eyes open... :shocked:

This is all down to driving whilst sneezing... not good driving with your eyes closed... not even for that split second!... :nono:

I read in a paper a while back that a female driver over ran a red light... Police pulled her over and told her what she had done etc... she was very confused but replied " Sorry officer i sneezed it must have made me accelerate harder... meaning i sped through a red light... I'm really sorry" :blush: Not sure of the outcome... :hihi:

Originally posted by adlinds

I am scared of sniffing because I know someone who when she was a child used to sniff so much the gunk all went into her sinuses. Docters had to break her nose and suck it out with tubes, this I don't really want to happen to me.

That is the single most disgusting thing I've ever heard! I have to admit I'm a sniffer, but after reading that I think I'll be changing my ways!

I find that washing up the nostrils as often as possible with hot water works for me.

whenever i blow my nose with a cold it always just gets more blocked I usually wipe it on my sleeve :hihi:
some people use their collars though, whats that about:loopy:

Sudafed nasal spray is a MIRACLE. Discovered it a few colds ago and haven't looked back. A couple of snorts in the morning (bit sore, like snorting swimming pool water, but SO worth it) - and you will be able to breathe clearly, and not need to blow your nose for hours. :thumbsup: