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There are many things in life that you just do without being taught how to do them. Maybe no one ever showed you exactly how to wash yourself in the shower or how to scratch an itch - you just do what seems to work. The same could be true with blowing your nose, but it turns out there is actually a "right" way to do it, and if you aren't doing it that way, you could wind up hurting yourself.
Allergist and content creator Dr. Zachary Rubin shared a how-to video on blowing your nose. In the caption, he explains, "If you blow your nose too forcefully, it may increase the risk of causing pain or an ear infection." He then states in the video that if you are blowing too hard or blowing both nostrils at the same time, you are doing it wrong. To properly blow your nose, according to Dr. Rubin, cover one nostril and slowly blow out into a tissue, then do it on the other side. When you are finished, wash your hands so you don't spread any germs to others.
If you blow too hard, especially when it is dry out, the increased pressure could damage the nasal passages and cause a nose bleed. The pressure could also send mucus, bacteria and viruses to other areas, like through the eustachian tubes up to your ears, leading to infections.
For more tips, you can follow Dr. Rubin on Instagram.