Can Blowing Your Nose Constantly, Touching and Pushing It Stretch Your Nostrils?

Question

I had a tough cold lately and I was constantly blowing my nose and touching-pushing it just to make sure it was clear.I was also cleaning the inside of my nose with cotton sticks because it would always get stuffy and I couldnt breath well. Could these constant actions stretch a bit my nose?Because when I look myself in the mirror now, I think that my nose its just a little bit biger than before. Please help me,i cant help myself.

Sam Rizk, MD · Answer

The amount of force that comes from
blowing, touching, or pushing your nose is insufficient to change the nasal
configuration or “stretch” the nostrils. However, I would advise to always try
to be as gentle as possible when blowing or touching your nose. The nose is a
sensitive organ and inner tissue may rip if too much force is applied.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

Blowing your nose, rubbing your nose and other forms of nasal manipulation will have no impact upon the size and shape of your nose.  The changes that you describe in your nose following your cold are probably related to swelling from your upper respiratory infection.  Your nose should return to normal as your swelling resolves with the resolution of your cold.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

While the shape of your nose can stretch with constant touching and pushing over time, it is very unlikely that this happened in the time of your cold. It would take much longer to do — we're talking much longer than a couple of days and there would have to be constant pressure, even through the night. Your nose may be a little swollen from constantly touching it, but this will subside and return to normal once you've stopped touching your nose so much.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Manipulating your nose to manage the symptoms of a cold will not change the size of your nostrils.  You can change the shape by placing long term continuous force, but you have to be a member of a tribe to do that.

Richard H. Fryer, MD · Answer

This reminds me of my favorite joke for children.

	Q:  Why do gorillas have big nostrils?

	A:  They have big fingers.

	Although it is not possible to stretch your nostrils or the skin of your nose after just a few days with a bad cold etc. it is possible to stretch skin over longer periods of time.  This is exactly what people do when they gage their ears etc.

Can Blowing Your Nose Constantly, Touching and Pushing It Stretch Your Nostrils?

Answers (9)

Answer: Blowing your nose will not stretch your nostrils.

Answer: Blowing your nose will not stretch your nostrils.

Answer: My favorite joke for children

Answer: My favorite joke for children

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Can Blowing Your Nose Constantly, Touching and Pushing It Stretch Your Nostrils?

Answers (9)

Answer: Blowing your nose will not stretch your nostrils.

Answer: Blowing your nose will not stretch your nostrils.

Answer: My favorite joke for children

Answer: My favorite joke for children

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.