My nose is filled with water and my head hurts

People's five senses are connected to the brain. In addition to air, liquid can also flow into the brain through the five senses. Therefore, people need to wear eye, nose and ear protection when swimming, even those who cannot swim. If water accidentally enters the head through the ears or nose. This can have a great impact on the human body. Some people accidentally let water flow into their heads through their noses when swimming or washing their faces or hair, causing headaches. What should they do?

There are many parts of the human body that are quite sensitive, one of which is the nose. When water enters the nasal cavity, or more precisely the back of the nasal cavity, it can cause a strong cough and even cause pain and burning sensation. The nose is part of the respiratory tract, which does not allow solids or liquids to enter. Whenever such unauthorized substances enter by mistake, a strong reaction will occur. For example, (the same as water entering the nasal cavity) when water enters the throat, it will cause strong choking, vomiting, body cramps, blood rushing to the brain, flushed face, etc. This is the body's natural defense reflex and is the result of human evolution.

Because the olfactory nerve is located at the back top of the nasal cavity, the nasal cavity is connected to the paranasal sinuses. There are four paranasal sinuses: the maxillary sinuses on both sides of the face, the frontal sinuses in the forehead, the ethmoid sinuses at the back of the nasal cavity, and the sphenoid sinuses at the bottom of the back of the head. The olfactory nerve is a smell receptor and under normal circumstances does not need to come into contact with substances other than air. It is certain that the olfactory nerve will experience abnormal sensations when water enters the nose. Moreover, the olfactory nerve is one of the twelve pairs of cranial nerves that lead to the brain stem. It is completely true that after the olfactory center senses the abnormality, it is mapped to the scalp through complex nerves. After a sneeze, the olfactory nerves come into contact with the air again, so of course there will be no discomfort.

Inhale through your mouth and blow out through your nose, and everything will be fine!

How to prevent water from entering the nose when swimming

Learn to breathe actively in water

When swimming, you must learn to breathe actively, rather than breathing passively like on land. When you are on land, even if you don't want to breathe, you will breathe involuntarily because there is air and breathing is completely free of burden. But you should breathe actively in the water, don't let the water force you to breathe.

The nose should not follow the rhythm of the mouth

When breathing underwater, do not let your nose follow the rhythm of your mouth. As soon as you breathe through your mouth, your nose follows and water immediately fills up your nose. Learn to control your nose, let it slowly move behind your mouth, breathe slowly, and don't follow the rhythm of your mouth.

Learn to breathe through your mouth

When on land, we breathe through both our nose and mouth. But when in water, you must learn to breathe through your mouth. If you breathe through your nose, water will naturally take in. Learn to breathe through your mouth without moving your nose.

Don't panic if you get water in your nose

No matter how well your nose is trained and how well it can be kept still, water will still get into your nose because it is in water after all. But don't be nervous. The more relaxed you are, the better. Continue breathing through your mouth and keep your nose still. As long as you don't inhale through your nose, water will not enter your nasal cavity. With active breathing through the mouth, the water in the nasal cavity will flow out.

Practice breathing through your mouth

As mentioned above, breathe through your mouth and try to keep your nose still. This requires a long period of practice to achieve. Practice more when you have nothing to do. Intentionally hold your nose steady, put all your breathing strength through your mouth, and then breathe in big gulps until you can breathe actively through your mouth.

Using a nose clip

For external protection, you can also use a nasal conduit. But it is not comfortable to use a nasal device, and my nose will hurt after using it for a long time. Adding a nasal cannula is only an option when there is no other way. The best way is to master the trick of breathing, practice more, and gradually become more and more proficient, and water will not enter your nose.