Can an activity that seems like second nature really do more harm than good? We all blow our noses when we have colds or sinus infections. Tissues even come with aloe to keep your nose from drying out from too much blowing. However, blowing your nose might do more harm than good when you are battling a cold.

According to a recent New York Times article by Anahad O’Connor, researchers at the University of Virginia conducted CT scans as patients coughed, sneezed, and blew their noses. Coughing and sneezing, the natural body functions that dispel bacteria and viruses, generated no increased pressure in the sinus cavities. On the other hand, a person blowing their nose actually propelled mucus into the sinus cavity every time.

One age-old remedy that we recommend trying to alleviate sinus build up and stuffy noses is nasal irrigation. Nasal irrigation is a drug-free and inexpensive way to cleanse your nasal passages, feel better, and breathe better.