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Comment by clumsysmurf | Hacker News Reader

> Preclinical data have indicated that microorganisms associated with periodontal disease may contribute to the pathology of Alzheimer's disease.

I read damage to the nasal epithelium can allow pathogens to reach the brain:

"New research from Griffith University has shown that damage to the lining inside the nose increases the risk of bacteria sneaking into the brain via nerves, potentially causing long-term health issues." ... "Bacteria and viruses, and resultant neuroinflammation, may even contribute to neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases"

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-03-injury-nose-bacteria-...

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Although rare, amoebas found in untreated water can cause fatal brain infections if they get in your nasal passage[0], via neti-pots or swimming, for example.

[0] https://www.ijidonline.com/article/S1201-9712(18)34525-9/pdf

So... I should stop picking my nose? Seriously asking

Yes, but not for that reason.

Is it because of the Danger Triangle?

If you pluck those hairs, germs and particles near the follicles can get inside and cause an infection. He described the concept of a "danger triangle," or the area on the face between your mouth and nose that's susceptible to passing infections on to the brain.

https://www.businessinsider.com/why-you-shouldnt-pluck-your-...

Well that and it is disgusting.

I read this an hour ago and it is still on my mind. I'm a pathological nose picker and this is some hard deterrent

I suppose plucking nose hairs should also be avoided.

I wonder if that means people with seasonal allergies are more likely to have these diseases.

Also people that chronically pick their nose.

Likely not unless they make it 3 inches in:

> "The olfactory epithelium is a specialized epithelial tissue inside the nasal cavity that is involved in smell. In humans, it measures 9 cm2 (3 centimetres by 3 centimetres) and lies on the roof of the nasal cavity about 7 cm above and behind the nostrils."

Phew, that's a relief

IANAD, but fingers can presumably increase the bacterial and viral load on the mucous membranes. Smear infections are a thing, hence the recommendation to not touch one's face during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. On the other hand, nasal crusting is presumably also acts as petri dish. Clearly our nostrils are appropriately sized such that our fingers can fulfill a cleaning function, and this is also observed in other great apes with dry nostrils.

Some researcher even suggested digesting dried mucous (read eating it) may be beneficial for the immune system as it allows it to build antibodies to novel viruses: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dried_nasal_mucus

I wonder why picking ones nose is considered gross (and eating it doubly so). Is it simply a weird quirk of our society? Kids will naturally do it right? Are there examples of other societies where its considered to be fine?

A co-worker some years ago described being a missionary in the Philippines. The locals were perplexed at his use of a handkerchief.

Their perspective was "why would you want to SAVE it?" Their method being to lean over, hold one nostril and BLOW.

or both, allergies make you over conscious about nose pipes, sometimes I cannot tolerate any clogging and if tissue forbid me to unclog them I'll maniacally 'find a way'

Or people that imbibe certain substances through their nasal cavities?

So no methyl (1R,2R,3S,5S)-3- (benzoyloxy)-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1] octane-2-carboxylate? Got it, good to know.

Sounds like we shouldn't be blowing our nose, shooting more bacteria than in necessary into our nasal cavities.

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