Scientists at Griffith University in Queensland (Australia), have demonstrated for the first time in mice how certain bacteria can enter the brain through the nostrils and thus attack the central nervous system. This, it is believed, may promote Alzheimer’s.

STICKING YOUR FINGER IN YOUR NOSE AND ALZHEIMER’S: THE RELATIONSHIP

Chlamydia pneumoniae is a specific bacterium that, according to the results of the study, can also enter the body through the nose in mice.

Brain cells respond to the bacteria by producing so-called beta-amyloid protein, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. According to Professor James St. John, co-author of the study, this is an indication that the pathogen could trigger neurological diseases.

In the next phase of research, St. John’s team wants to show that the pathogen works similarly in the human brain. “It was what we observed in the mouse model, and the findings are potentially frightening to humans,” St John explained.

It is already known that Chlamydia pneumoniae is also found in humans. However, it is not yet clear how it manages to enter the body.

THE DANGERS OF PICKING YOUR NOSE

The human nose offers many opportunities for bacteria to enter the body, according to the Griffith University report. After all, the nose is constantly exposed to air and is connected to the brain by a short, fast path.

Although there are still no certain findings on the subject, St. John advises caution: “picking your nose or pulling your hair out of your nose is not a good idea.” Both actions can damage the nasal mucosa, which in turn can cause more bacteria to enter the brain through them.

Starting at age 60, St. John also recommends olfactory testing to detect Alzheimer’s disease early. Loss of smell is one of the first early signs of the disease. If those affected discover this fact as soon as possible, they can seek medical attention quickly and follow early treatment.

SHOULD CHILDREN STOP PICKING THEIR NOSES?

Picking your nose is a common behavior in children and is not a cause for concern. Children are very curious and want to discover everything, including their own nostrils.

However, this is usually not dangerous for the child. Only in the event of a nosebleed should care not to be touched until the wound has healed.

COMPULSIVE PICKING YOUR NOSE: RHINOTYLEXOMANIA

In addition to picking their noses from time to time out of boredom or to clear their nostrils, there are people who pick their noses compulsively. Addictively picking your nose is a pathological behavior known as rhinotylexomania.

So far there is not enough research on the phenomenon of over poking your nose and there is no clear definition of when picking your nose can really be classified as a pathological behavior.

In most cases, medical professionals observe a connection with other OCDs (obsessive-compulsive disorders), such as nail biting, in which those affected cannot control the habit. In the worst case, a perforation of the nasal septum may occur.

EATING SNOT, A TABOO SUBJECT

Usually, children simply dry their runny nose on clothes or other objects, or quickly put it in their mouths. Eating mucus is called mucophagia. Doctors disagree about whether eating mucus is harmful or healthy.

• For one, experts note that much of the runny nose is swallowed anyway through the nasopharynx. The bacteria would be destroyed by stomach acid in the stomach.
• Other researchers conclude in their studies that eating mucus can strengthen the immune system, since the runny nose contains many good bacteria that protect us from harmful dental diseases, as well as respiratory diseases and stomach ulcers.
• On the other hand, ENTs warn that there are often many germs (such as staphylococci) on the fingers that get into the nose and can cause illness (e.g., sinus infections).

To properly clean the nose, nasal douches or the application of ointments or oils are recommended. If you need to remove fouling, you should make a tissue to avoid introducing germs and discard the mucus.

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