Can blowing your nose strongly cause an eardrum perforation? (2024)

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor of Otolaryngology - Department of Medical Examination and Internal Medicine - Vinmec Hai Phong International Hospital.

Can blowing your nose strongly cause perforation of the eardrum? The question is thought to be funny, unrelated, but surely a lot of people wonder. However, this worry is not unfounded because many people, after blowing their nose too hard, have ear-related symptoms such as tinnitus, unclear hearing, earache, etc. can cause perforation of the eardrum? Let's read the article to find the answer to this question.

Ear - nose - throat is always the accompanying trio that is always attached and connected with each other. Having one part on the subject will definitely affect the operation and performance of the other two sets. The ear, nose, and throat occupy five or seven important natural openings of man. Therefore, if you don't blow your nose properly, it will also "spread the infection", so blowing your nose must also know how to do it properly.

1. The danger of blowing your nose hard

The habit of blowing your nose strongly seems to be harmless, but not everyone knows this action can cause unexpected dangers and hurt. So what's the worst that could happen?
Vigorous blowing of the nose can cause esophageal lacerations and severe headaches due to air being pushed into the skull. Although unlikely, blowing your nose too hard can also cause a perforated eardrum or even a ruptured eye socket.
For those who have had previous surgery or trauma that causes a defect in the bone separating the eye or brain from the nose, blowing your nose vigorously can push air into these gaps, leading to more serious problems affect vision or central nervous system.
Strong nose blowing can rupture small blood vessels and lead to nosebleeds.

2. Can blowing your nose strongly cause a perforation of the eardrum?

The rule when blowing your nose properly is not to squeeze the two nostrils and then blow hard from the nostrils to avoid expelling waste from the nose to the surrounding "neighbors" such as to the ears, down the throat or up the sinuses. When the runny nose runs to these parts, it will easily lead to consequences for the owner, mild tinnitus, nausea, severe otitis media, sinusitis ...
In the case of "compressed air" pressure too strong, can also cause perforation of the eardrum. Therefore, blowing your nose strongly to puncture the eardrum is completely possible, but the number of people is also quite rare.
However, to be able to know the most accurate level of severity or lightness after the appearance of symptoms such as tinnitus, ear pain, it is best to go to a hospital or clinic to be checked by a doctor to know exactly 1 Will that forceful "accidental" blowing of the nose damage the eardrum to the point of perforating the eardrum?
If it is milder, the doctor only needs to open an opening to bring out the mucus present in the ear.

3. How to blow your nose properly?

The mistake of many people is that when blowing their nose, they often blow 2 nostrils at the same time because it is convenient and quick, but to avoid unfortunate cases such as perforation of the eardrum, it is best to carefully do it by blowing your nose. each side 1. Treating each nostril one at a time helps limit the rise in pressure with which most complications are associated.
Combined use of appropriate treatments can reduce the force needed to clear the nose.
Using an oral decongestant or a nasal spray can help clear the nasal passages and make it easier for nasal discharge. however, the nasal spray should not be used for 3 days in a row to avoid a counter-effect that could make symptoms worse.

Another option is to clear the nose without blowing it using physiological saline or gentle rinsing to get the mucus out of the nasal passages. This is an effective and gentle but equally effective way.
International General Hospital is not only equipped with modern medical equipment and facilities according to international standards, but also has a team of highly qualified doctors and nurses to help diagnose and treat quickly and effectively. effective, bringing comfort to the patient during examination and treatment.

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