Does Blowing Your Nose Make Cold Symptoms Worse?

At Columbia Clinic Urgent Care, our team educates patients on safe ways to manage cold symptoms and congestion. Blowing your nose is a natural response to nasal congestion during a cold, but doing it too forcefully can sometimes make symptoms worse. Forceful nose blowing may irritate the delicate nasal tissues, cause minor bleeding, or even push mucus into areas like the sinuses or middle ear, potentially leading to further discomfort or infection. While gentle nose blowing can help clear mucus and provide relief, it’s important to use proper technique—blow one nostril at a time and avoid excessive pressure. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you at Tibbetts St Portland, Stark Street Portland and Tigard, OR.