Bisnis.com, JAKARTA - Many people who undergo a nasopharyngeal swab test feel pain that it feels like they are scraping your brain.Andrew Lane, MD, director of the Johns Hopkins Sinus Center says the bad experience can stem from a number of issues.According to him, people tolerate pain differently and have different perceptions of stimuli.And human anatomy varies greatly, for example your nasal passages may be wider or narrower than the person standing next to you, or you may have a deviated septum.Another factor, he said, was the technician's skill in doing the test.To perform the test, the technician inserts a flexible, soft-tipped, 6-inch cotton swab into your nostril.They will guide it behind your nose until it reaches the nasopharynx, the area where your nasal cavity meets your throat, and rotate it gently.They may leave it there for a few seconds to collect secretions.If the first nostril is not enough, they may repeat the process in the other nostril.The challenge, according to Lane, is that no two noses are the same."The goal of the swab should be to reach the nasopharynx without hitting anything along the way," he said.Unfortunately, the geometry of the nasal cavity differs from person to person.The mucous membrane that lines your nose has many nerve endings.“In general, the body is quite tolerant of the first few centimeters as far as you can go.Beyond that, mucous membranes react to being touched.”Lane said.It activates involuntary and programmed reflexes.Depending on how strong your body's response is, the results can include discomfort, teary eyes, pain, and other reactions."Some people choking, coughing, sneezing are all part of the same reflex," he said.For people who are more prone to headaches, it can trigger the pain.As for nosebleeds, the membrane (called the mucosa) is smooth and has lots of blood vessels, Philip Chen, MD, a professor of otolaryngology of head and neck surgery at the University of Texas Long School of Medicine, says nosebleeds occur when rubbing irritates and damages the mucosal surface."This may be more likely in very dry climates, at high altitudes, and if the person has a very narrow nose."he explained.A fainting effect called a vasovagal event can also occur whenever the body has a very strong response to a situation such as emotional stress or pain,"For some people, the anxiety during the procedure or the actual pain can lead to fainting."said Chen.While some say the test feels like your brain is being tickled or poked, the swabs can't really get close to that part of your brain."There are three protective layers in the nose. There is a mucous layer, which covers the inside of the nose. There is the olfactory epithelium (involved in the sense of smell). The inside, dura mater, which means 'tough mother,' is the tough layer of skin around the nose. brain. It's hard to penetrate (it) without something sharp," Shawn Nasseri, MD, an ear, nose, and throat surgeon in Los Angeles.In a small number of cases worldwide, testing has led to leakage of cerebrospinal fluid.At least one of them was found to be due to a previously unknown birth defect."I suspect people who experience this have an abnormality, brain tissue protruding through a hole in the bone," Lane said.The swab itself is flexible, so it will bend before it enters the bone.This is a very low risk."People who have had extensive sinus surgery should not be tested with a nasopharyngeal swab," Chen said.The reason is that such surgery often involves removing the bone between the nasal cavity and the base of the skull, allowing the swabs to enter.Tips for Painless WipeBecause anatomy and pain tolerance vary, there is no way of knowing whether you may be experiencing excessive pain or not.But these suggestions may reduce your discomfort:1. If you have a stuffy nose, try using a decongestant spray.That can help clear the path and make it less likely that the swab will bump into anything on its way to your nasopharynx.Lie down and put one drop in each nostril, 30-60 minutes before the test.2. Observe the technician's instructions.Position your head according to the directions, so they can place the cotton at the correct angle.And once they start, don't move!"Wherever they tell you to put your head, put your head in that place and keep it there.Check other News and Articles on Google NewsCheck out other news about the topic of this article, here:Join and get analysis of economic and business information via your email.