Behind this seemingly inconspicuous little action, there is actually a hidden risk. Let's talk about this nose picking thing first, look at the things behind it, maybe you will have a new understanding of this habitual little action.
1. The hidden dangers of nose picking: the anatomical significance of the "danger triangle" of the face
You know what? There's a place on our face called the "Danger Triangle," and it's not a joke. From the base of your nose to the corner of your mouth, the triangle area formed in this area has a lot of blood vessels, and it is also directly connected to the blood vessels in the brain.
What does this mean? That is, if something goes wrong here, little things like bacteria, viruses, and so on can just get into your head and cause a bunch of big trouble.
Picking your nostrils may seem simple, but it's like opening a small window in this "danger triangle" for these pathogens to take advantage of.
Unsterilized fingers can bring bacteria to the nasal mucosa, and once the infection occurs, the consequences are not a joke, it is really brainy.
2. Compulsive nose picking syndrome: a habitual behavior that is ignored
When it comes to picking noses, you may think it's a small matter, but did you know that some people really can't control their hands? Their condition, medically called "compulsive nose picking syndrome", sounds scary?
This is not as simple as picking your nostrils, but an obsessive-compulsive disorder-like behavior. These people may feel uncomfortable in their nostrils, or when they are upset, they will unconsciously pick their nostrils to reduce their anxiety through this action.
However, if this behavior is repeated, it is easy to gouge the skin in the nose and cause bleeding or more serious infections.
You think, the mucous membrane in the nostrils is delicate, it was originally used to defend against external bacteria and viruses, once damaged, those pathogens can easily enter, bringing a threat to your health.
3. Nose picking and respiratory diseases: increased risk of pneumonia
The act of picking your nostrils may make you wonder that it is inextricably linked to pneumonia. According to a study in the journal Respiratory Disease Research, microorganisms on the fingers may be inhaled into the lower respiratory tract after contact with the nasal mucosa, increasing the risk of developing pneumonia.
Imagine that when your fingers touch the inside of your nasal cavity, those uninvited bacteria and viruses have the opportunity to "ride" down the respiratory tract to the lungs. Once they reach the lungs, these pathogens can settle there, causing an inflammatory response known as pneumonia.
Pneumonia is not a minor illness, it can cause severe breathing difficulties and even require hospitalization.
Especially in children and the elderly with weakened immunity, the morbidity and mortality of pneumonia cannot be ignored. Therefore, for the health of you and your family, those hands that love to pick their nostrils really have to be controlled.
4. The natural defense of nasal structure: the importance of nasal hair
Nose hair, which may seem a little indecent to us, is actually part of the delicate design of the human body. It is not only the "gatekeeper" of the nasal cavity, but also an efficient filtration system. The presence of nose hairs helps to block dust, bacteria, and other tiny particles in the air, preventing them from entering the respiratory tract.
The article in the journal Respiratory Physiology states that nose hairs are able to capture particles larger than 5 microns in diameter, which is essential for protecting the lower respiratory tract from contamination. When you pick your nostrils with your fingers, you can inadvertently damage these tiny defenders.
Once the structure of the nose hair is destroyed, those harmful substances that could otherwise be blocked are more likely to invade the body, thus increasing the likelihood of developing respiratory diseases. Therefore, taking good care of your nose hair, like a lifeline of defense that protects you, should not be neglected.
Picking the nostrils, a seemingly ordinary habit, actually poses much of a threat to our health. From the risk of pneumonia to the natural defense mechanisms of the nasal passages, every detail reminds us that protecting the health of the nasal passages is far more important than temporary comfort.
Therefore, for the health of ourselves and our families, let's say goodbye to the bad habit of picking our noses from now on, and maintain personal hygiene in a more scientific way.
5. The vicious circle of chronic rhinitis and nose picking
When it comes to chronic rhinitis, it's a long-term battle that causes headaches for many. Chronic inflammation in the nasal cavity can make people feel nasal congestion, runny nose, and even loss of smell, greatly reducing the quality of life.
Picking the nostrils, especially if you use too much force or too often, will cause repeated damage to the nasal mucosa and promote the occurrence and aggravation of inflammation.
Once a vicious cycle is formed, rhinitis can go from acute to chronic, becoming more difficult to cure. In addition, lesions in the nasal cavity, such as polyps, may also be worsened by nose picking.
Studies have shown that the nasal environment of patients with chronic rhinitis is more susceptible to bacterial invasion, and the act of picking nose is undoubtedly providing a convenient "ride" opportunity for these bacteria.
Therefore, for patients with chronic rhinitis, resisting the temptation of nose picking is not only a kind of self-protection, but also an important support for disease control.
6. The hidden danger of sinusitis: the potential threat of nose picking
Sinusitis, an inflammation that occurs inside the sinuses, often causes facial tenderness, headache, and even fever. Obstruction of the ventilation and drainage of the sinuses is one of the common causes of sinusitis.
Picking the nose may inadvertently push nasal secretions and bacteria into the sinuses, worsening barriers to ventilation and drainage, which can induce or exacerbate sinusitis. Clinical studies have found that the behavior of repeated nose picking has a non-negligible correlation with the onset of sinusitis.
From this point of view, those who are accustomed to "exploring" with their fingers may unknowingly increase their risk of developing sinusitis, and this seemingly problem-solving behavior may actually be "adding to the blockage".
7. The association between nose-picking behavior and mental health
In addition to the physical health risks mentioned above, there is also a strong link between the act of picking nose and mental health. Some psychological studies suggest that nose-picking can be a symptom of anxiety, stress, or other psychological problems.
In some cases, repeated nose picking may be a self-soothing act to ease inner anxiety or as a distraction.
However, in the long term, this can not only lead to physiological problems in the nose, but may also reflect an individual's failure to effectively deal with inner stress or emotional problems.
Therefore, if someone finds themselves prone to nose-picking behavior under a particular emotion, then it could be a sign of mental health that deserves attention and seeks professional psychological counseling or therapy.
summary
Picking your nose is no small matter, and I hope to attract everyone's attention, not only to stop a habit that may bring health risks, but also to respect and care for your physical and mental health.
From now on, let's develop good hygiene habits, treat our bodies with a scientific attitude, and escort the health of ourselves and our families.