Does Nose Blowing Cause More Snot?

We get asked this question many times on social media: Does clearing my sick baby's nose many times a day cause more snot to be produced? 

In short, the answer is "no" according to Dr David King from the University of Qld.

Blowing the nose doesn’t directly stimulate the production of more mucus. Mucus is naturally produced by the lining of the nasal passages to keep them at optimal moisture level and to trap dust, germs, and irritants. 

During a cold or allergy flare-up, the body increases mucus production as part of its defense mechanism. Blowing the nose (or using a nasal aspirator on a baby who doesn't know how to blow their own nose) simply helps expel this excess mucus, clearing the nasal passages temporarily.

So removing snot does not make the body make any more than it normally would. 

This applies to both low lying snot that might be dripping from the nostril like candle wax, or snot that is high in the nasal passage.

In fact clearing and removing the snot regularly with saline spray and 5-10 seconds of nasal aspiration removes the virus from the body quicker and can prevent post-nasal drip. 

A baby or child with festering nasal snot can create a very dangerous situation and parents need a safe way to clear the mucus effectively. As little ones can't blow their own nose, removing the snot with a medical suction device like Snotty Boss is a safe and appropriate way to clear the nose and therefore assist breathing, feeding and sleeping. 

The three most common reasons for extra snot are the common cold, sinusitis and hay fever. 

Little ones can be affected at any time of year. Each of these conditions cause the lining in the nose to swell up, and to produce extra mucus to flush away infection, irritants or allergens. 

Both the swelling and extra mucus lead to nasal congestion. This is when the narrowed passages increase the effort of breathing through the nose. 

As little ones can't blow their own nose, it is dangerous for snot to fester in the nose as it could create a secondary ear or respiratory infection. We recommend to aspirate with Snotty Boss for 5-10 seconds, as needed. This short suction time is to ensure the cilia (fine nasal hairs which capture dust and irritants) and the nasal lining are not further irritated. 

It's important to note, congestion is not always in the form of a "runny nose" that streams from the nostrils. Babies with a booger stuck up their nose can't tell you about it, but it will make them cranky and uncomfortable. So a daily saline squirt and suction with Snotty Boss can be very beneficial even if they are not "sick". It's just a part of their daily bathing or hygiene routine, and can definitely have flow on benefits to better breathing, feeding and sleeping. 

Disclaimer: We are not doctors or healthcare professionals. Information given is general only and products are offered with general use guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Should any sensitivity to our products occur, please discontinue use. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, and/or take the place of medical treatment prescribed by a doctor or medical professional.