Comparison of nasal patency after nose-blowing between pinch versus no pinch method: a randomized controlled trial

Patorn Piromchai,Panida Thanawirattananit,Jakkrit Netnoi,Supaporn Srirompotong

doi:10.1038/s41598-021-01631-6

Abstract

We proposed that nose-blowing without pinching was safer and able to get rid of mucus and maintain nasal patency as effective as the pinch and blow method. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nasal patency after nose-blowing by pinching the nose versus no pinching. The patients who have nasal discharge such as allergic rhinitis or common cold were recruited. The patients were randomized to perform pinching or no pinching nose-blowing. Fifty patients were enrolled in this study. The objective evaluation using acoustic rhinometry found no difference in nasal patency between the two groups (p > 0.05). The subjective patency score was significantly higher in the pinch one nostril shut group (mean difference 0.88, 95% CI 0.20–1.55). The patency of the two methods were comparable according to the objective test. However, the patients felt that their nose was clearer when pinching and blowing.

Highlights

We proposed that nose-blowing without pinching is safer and able to get rid of mucus and maintain nasal patency as effective as the pinching and blowing method
The mean Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) nasal patency score after nose-blowing in pinching group was 8.00 points and 7.13 points in no pinching group
Nose-blowing is a common practice to remove excess mucus from the nasal cavity in humans. This practice can produce droplets and aerosol particles which contribute to the spreading of virus particles that can transmit to other p ersons[2,3]

Summary

Introduction

We proposed that nose-blowing without pinching was safer and able to get rid of mucus and maintain nasal patency as effective as the pinch and blow method. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nasal patency after nose-blowing by pinching the nose versus no pinching. Bioaerosol transmission usually occurs when a person is in close contact with a respiratory disease patient created by coughing, sneezing or other aerosol-generating procedures such as nose-blowing[3,4]. The handkerchief or facial tissues were usually used to cover the nose, prevent the mucus or droplet spreading and remove the mucus remnant from the nose[5]. This procedure can be done by pinching the nose to generate more exhalation pressure or without pinching. The nasal fluid can be propelled into the paranasal sinus or middle ear causing rhinosinusitis or otitis media[10]

Objectives

Results

Conclusion