The most uncomfortable thing about catching a cold is nasal congestion and runny nose. At this time, many people instinctively blow their nose hard, thinking that it can help them breathe faster, but they don't realize that this seemingly pleasurable method of blowing their nose is wrong, especially "blowing both nostrils hard together". The consequence of blowing your nose and causing a "rollover" is that children are prone to otitis media. There is a "small tube" (Eustachian tube) between the nasal cavity and the ear, which is short and straight. When catching a cold, the mucous membrane of the Eustachian tube swells and becomes blocked, creating negative pressure in the middle ear and accumulating secretions. When blowing the nose forcefully, the pressure in the nasal cavity can directly "press" the mucus and pathogens into the ear, causing otitis media, which can make the child cry in pain and may also affect hearing. Elderly people with underlying diseases such as hypertension and arteriosclerosis may experience a sudden increase in blood pressure when blowing their nose forcefully. This can cause a sudden change in pressure in the chest and blood vessels, leading to vasoconstriction and a temporary rise in blood pressure after blowing the nose. This can result in dizziness, headaches, and even danger. To blow your nose correctly, just take two steps and hold a soft tissue gently against one nostril; Step one, gently exhale through the other nostril and blow your nose out (don't use too much force! Just blow it out if possible); Step 2, repeat the process of changing sides, wash your hands after blowing, and avoid getting the virus on your hands. If the child doesn't know how to do it, parents can use a nasal cannula to help, and don't let the child blow hard on their own. Experts remind that when there is severe nasal congestion, the mucus is too thick and difficult to blow out; When accompanied by nosebleeds or nasal mucosal damage; When there are underlying diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, etc; People with weaker physical resistance, such as children and the elderly, should try to avoid blowing their nose forcefully and seek medical help if necessary to avoid worsening symptoms and prolonging the course of the disease. These tips for relieving nasal congestion are super effective and do not require medication. With these small methods, you can feel much more comfortable. The whole family can use them: increasing humidity to create the "little environment" that the nose loves the most. The nasal mucosa likes to be moist, and dryness can exacerbate discomfort. You can use a beaker of warm water, place your nose close to the cup mouth (not too close to avoid burns), and inhale steam for 5 to 10 minutes; Alternatively, after taking a shower, you can stay in the bathroom for a while longer and use the water vapor in the bathroom to moisturize your nose. This will make your nose soft and relieve nasal congestion. Putting a humidifier at home and adjusting the humidity to 50% to 60% is also very effective. Taking a bath on the nasal mucosa and spraying it with physiological saline can moisturize the nasal mucosa. Physiological saline nasal spray (or nasal wash salt), sprayed 2-3 times a day, 1-2 times per nostril each time. It does not contain drugs, is mild and safe, and can be used by infants and pregnant women. It can directly wet the nasal mucosa, dilute nasal mucus, and flush out bacteria in the nasal cavity, effectively relieving nasal congestion. Everyone can choose to use the assisted ventilation method according to their needs. Adjusting sleep posture: Nasal congestion affects sleep: Try sleeping on your side, raising your head slightly, and using gravity to reduce nasal congestion. Older children and adults can use ventilated nose patches to physically dilate their nasal cavity without affecting their health, but they should not be used for more than 12 hours per day. If there is local skin rupture or allergies, they should be avoided. Or apply a warm towel to the nose for 10 to 15 minutes each time, 2 to 3 times a day, to relieve nasal congestion. The nose also needs skincare. Frequent blowing of the nose can easily cause redness, pain, and even baldness. Remember to use a soft cotton towel and apply a layer of Vaseline after blowing. If there is skin damage, you can also use mupirocin or erythromycin ointment to protect the skin. This article/Zhong Yanyu (Peking University People's Hospital) (Xinhua News Agency)