Slight colds contribute to asthma symptoms. Every time you blow your nose, some carbon dioxide is lost. Blowing your nose too much will result in an excessive loss of carbon dioxide. This will lead to an increase in the production of mucus, and you will then blow your nose to clear the mucus, resulting in a further loss of carbon dioxide, which will in turn create more mucus. Blowing the nose can be the cata- lyst for a vicious circle of nose clearing, carbon dioxide loss and mucus creation.
✦ Try not to blow your nose but, if you must, do so only when absolutely necessary.
✦ Blow your nose gently. Blowing your nose forcibly causes a greater loss of carbon dioxide and can also exacerbate sinus or ear problems.
✦ After blowing your nose, hold your breath for a period equal to roughly half the length of your control pause.
✦ Reduce your breathing.
✦ For a child, do a set of Steps as outlined in an earlier blog entry.