Children are known to enjoy picking their noses. For them, it's often a natural thing that they do out of boredom or curiosity to discover what's behind their nostrils. However, it is also a habit that should be approached with caution as it can become dangerous.
Nose picking and Alzheimer's: New study shows connection with type of bacteria
Nose picking has been and is the subject of numerous research studies. Australian researchers have used mice to show that the bacterial species Chlamydia pneumoniae can enter the brain via the olfactory nerve. The results of this study were published on the Nature .
The researchers found a connection between an infection of the central nervous system (CNS) with Chlamydia pneumoniae and Alzheimer's disease. As the bacterium makes its way through the body, it triggers a reaction in brain cells that produce the amyloid beta protein , known to be a hallmark of dementia.
Danger from bacteria: How picking your nose can lead to serious illnesses
Bacteria can travel from the hands to the brain and cause serious illness. It is therefore important to practice good hand hygiene and wash or disinfect your hands regularly, especially before touching your face.
Symptoms such as fever, headache, stiff neck, and confusion may indicate bacterial meningitis. Such a condition can cause further complications such as brain damage, stroke and hearing loss. Early treatment with antibiotics is therefore of great importance in order to avoid possible consequential damage.
The importance of the nasal mucosa for our health
Our nose is a delicate structure with around five to ten million olfactory cells located in the upper nasal cavity. The nasal secretion has an important function: it filters pathogens and pollutants such as pollen and dust from the air before they reach the lungs. In this way, it protects our respiratory organ from infections and damage. In addition, the nasal mucosa moistens the air we breathe and prevents it from drying out. Bacteria and viruses are caught by the mucus and transported out of the nose via the cilia.
Therefore, we should be careful not to poke the nose too deeply, too aggressively or for too long when picking our nose, as this can damage the sensitive nasal mucosa. The resulting injuries can not only lead to nosebleeds, but also to a perforation of the nasal septum. This, in turn, can cause narrowing of the nasal passages, affecting breathing. In the worst case, an operation is required in which the surgeon performs a so-called septoplasty to correct the nasal septum and enable problem-free breathing again.
It's also important to note that in rare cases, constant nose picking can turn into an obsessive-compulsive disorder called rhinotillexomania. This describes an addictive behavior that those affected can often no longer control and show especially when they are nervous or insecure. Therefore, constant nose picking can also be an indication of psychological problems.
Nose picking – an underestimated habit?
It is a fact that most people pick their nose when they feel unobserved. This happens not only at home, but also often in the car, especially when you have to wait at a red light. A survey by author Christoph Drösser for his book “ How Germans Tick ” showed that 62 percent of men and 51 percent of women pick their noses occasionally. However, the number of unreported cases is probably higher because not everyone is willing to admit it.
However, it is important to note that this habit can not only be unhygienic, but also potentially harmful to the delicate nasal mucosa. Excessive nose picking can not only be embarrassing, but can also cause health problems that can be linked to various diseases.
Source:
DW
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