Picking the nose, digging for boogers or playing the nose flute – the act of cleaning your nose in public has attracted many weird names. Whether you might be dealing with a terrible cold or living in a dusty area, you tend to develop a dry buildup in the nostrils.
This is because dust, pollen, pollution, germs, and dry air all irritate the nasal lining, so the nose produces mucus to trap these particles and keep them from reaching the lungs. This “dirt” then thickens and can feel like buildup in the nostrils.
Did you know? The nose is self‑cleaning. Tiny cilia, which are microscopic, hair-like structures that line the nasal passages, move mucus backwards to be swallowed and destroyed in the stomach, so most cleansing happens automatically.
However,
a study in 2022 found that there might be a link between the action of nose picking and dementia. A team of researchers led by scientists from Griffith University in Australia ran tests with a bacterium called Chlamydia pneumoniae, which can infect humans and cause pneumonia.
This study was conducted on mice, and more research needs to be conducted to constructively explain this link. However, what this study found is that in cases where nose picking causes internal tissue damage, a species of bacteria has a clearer path to the brain, which responds to their presence in ways that resemble signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Further research could improve our understanding of how Alzheimer’s disease starts.
5 Effective Ways to Clean Your Nose
- Nasal Irrigation (Saline Rinse): Mix 1 tsp non-iodised salt in 2 cups lukewarm distilled/boiled water. Tilt head over sink, pour into one nostril, and let drain from the other. Repeat on the opposite side. Clears mucus and allergens; do 1-2x daily.
- Saline Nasal Spray: Use over-the-counter sprays multiple times a day. Moistens passages, loosens debris without drugs—ideal for kids or mild congestion.
- Steam Inhalation: Boil water, pour into bowl, tent head with towel, inhale steam 10 minutes. Add eucalyptus oil for extra relief. Loosens mucus naturally.
- Blow Gently: Pinch one nostril, and exhale softly through the other over tissue. Alternate sides—prevents ear pressure buildup.
- Humidifier + Hydration: Run a cool-mist humidifier at night; drink 8+ glasses water daily. Moist air and fluids thin mucus for self-clearing.
