1. Nasal spray can cause addiction – partly true
Not all preparations can cause addiction, only nasal sprays that constrict blood vessels, intended to relieve symptoms of a blocked nose. Sea water, antihistamine, and hormonal nasal sprays work differently, so the preparations should not be evaluated equally.
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Prolonged use of blood vessel-constricting nasal sprays can lead to medication-induced rhinitis, where after the effect of the drug ends, the nasal mucosa swells again. This creates a vicious circle – it is difficult to breathe through the nose without the preparation, so there is a desire to use the spray continuously. The longer this preparation is used, the more pronounced the repeated nasal congestion can be. Therefore, it is very important to use blood vessel-constricting nasal sprays as directed by a doctor.
2. Cleaning ears with cotton swabs is safe – myth
Cotton swabs are intended for the outer part of the ear, but they should not be used to clean the ear canal. Trying to clean earwax pushes some of it deeper – this can create an earwax plug. Careless use of cotton swabs can also damage the sensitive skin of the ear canal and cause infection. Inserting the swab too deeply also increases the risk of eardrum damage.
Cotton swabs are intended for the outer part of the ear, but they should not be used to clean the ear canal.
A small amount of earwax in the ear is a normal physiological phenomenon. It moisturizes the skin of the ear canal, traps dust, and helps protect the ear from infections. Usually, earwax gradually moves towards the outer ear canal and is naturally expelled, so cotton swabs should not be used to clean the ear canal.
3. Listening to loud music can damage hearing – true
Hearing is affected not only by the volume of music but also by how long and how often a person is in a noisy environment. The World Health Organization states that 80 decibels can be safely listened to for up to 40 hours per week, but when the volume increases to 90 decibels, the safe duration shortens to four hours per week.
If after a concert or listening to loud music you experience ringing in the ears or a feeling of ear congestion, it is a sign that the music was too loud. Even if the symptoms pass, long-term or repeated noise exposure can irreversibly damage the sensory cells of the inner ear and lead to hearing loss. Therefore, when listening to music, it is recommended to lower the volume, take breaks, and use noise-canceling headphones at concerts or other noisy places, especially for children.
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4. Sleeping with earplugs every night is possible – partly true
Earplugs are safe for many people, but when wearing them daily, hygiene rules must be followed. It is important to regularly clean reusable earplugs according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and replace disposable ones on time.
When using earplugs, it is also important to choose the right size, not insert them too deeply, and not share earplugs with others. Dirty, improperly sized, or too deeply inserted earplugs can irritate the ear canal, interfere with the natural removal of earwax, and promote its accumulation. If itching, pain, a feeling of moisture, or frequent earwax plugs occur when sleeping with earplugs, you should consult a doctor.
Dirty, improperly sized, or too deeply inserted earplugs can irritate the ear canal, interfere with the natural removal of earwax, and promote its accumulation.
5. Cold drinks cause sore throat – myth
Sore throat is most often caused by viruses, less often by bacteria, allergies, or other irritants of the mucous membrane. Consuming cold drinks, ice cream, or other products alone does not cause infection. For some people, cold products or drinks may cause a temporary unpleasant sensation or irritate the throat, but this does not mean the person got sick because of the cold.
At first glance, harmless daily habits are not always favorable for ear, nose, and throat health. Therefore, it is important not to rely solely on common beliefs but to pay attention to the signals sent by the body. If nasal or ear congestion does not pass, you notice changes in hearing, or persistent hoarseness bothers you, it is worth consulting a doctor. This way, you will avoid unnecessary anxiety and prevent ailments.
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