You're blowing your nose badly! The doctor reveals the dangers that could threaten you

According to Dr. Zachary Rubin, a pediatric allergist based in Chicago, blowing air and mucus out of both nostrils can put excessive pressure on the delicate nasal passages, damaging them.

This pressure can push viruses and bacteria from the nasal region to the back of the nasal passage, where it can be 'dangerous,' Dr Rubin said.

This is because the Eustachian tubes sit at the back of the throat, which connect the nose to the middle ear.

"If you blow too hard, you can displace mucus, bacteria and viruses into that tube and potentially increase your risk of ear infection," Dr Rubin told his 487,000 Instagram followers.

A strong nose blow can also cause a rapid change in pressure behind the eardrum, which can cause ear pain and, in rare cases, a ruptured eardrum, according to doctors.

In very rare cases, blowing your nose too forcefully can cause small bones within the inner ear to break, according to Dr Carl Philpott, professor of rhinology at the University of East Anglia.

Dr Philpott said: "Very rarely, we see people who cause a fracture in the thin bone between the eye socket and the sinuses from blowing too hard."

So, what should you do instead?

Dr Rubin said: "The best way to blow your nose is to cover one nostril and blow slowly into a bean bag."

Then, you do it on the other side and then wash your hands with soap and water to make sure you're not spreading germs to other people.

Using too much pressure can cause nosebleeds, as it can put the blood vessels in the nose under so much strain that they burst.

These types of nosebleeds usually stop on their own and do not require medical attention.

A stuffy or congested nose occurs when the thin tissues lining it swell and the immune system produces mucus to fight infection.

Besides leaving you with a never-ending stream of snot, your nasal passages can narrow, making it a little more difficult to breathe through your nose.

But it's not just a cold that can cause your nose to be blocked. Allergies, a sinus infection, and some medications can lead to the same symptoms.

Pharmacists recommend alternatives to nasal blowing, such as over-the-counter sprays and 'steaming' mucus by placing your head over a bowl of hot water.