Sneezing is a natural reflex that helps the body clear irritants such as dust, pollen, mucus and other particles from the nose and airways.
While it may seem polite to suppress a sneeze in public, completely blocking your nose and mouth while sneezing can put unnecessary pressure on parts of your respiratory system.
Health experts generally recommend covering your sneeze safely rather than trying to stop it completely...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
What Happens When You Sneeze?
A sneeze happens when something irritates the lining of the nose or throat. The body responds by forcefully pushing air out through the nose and mouth.
This rapid release of air helps remove irritants from the nasal passages.
When both the nose and mouth are tightly blocked, the air has nowhere to escape normally, potentially increasing pressure inside the nose, throat and surrounding structures.
Why Holding in a Sneeze Can Be Dangerous
Trying to completely stop a sneeze by pinching the nose and closing the mouth can cause pressure to build up.
Although serious injuries are uncommon, medical literature has reported rare complications associated with forcefully suppressing a sneeze.
Potential problems can include:
• Injury to the throat
• Damage to the ear
• Pressure-related problems involving the sinuses
• Broken small blood vessels in the eyes or face in rare situations
• Worsening discomfort in people with certain existing conditions
The risk may be particularly concerning when a person forcefully blocks both routes through which the sneeze would normally escape.
Don’t Sneeze Freely Into the Air
Although suppressing a sneeze is not recommended, allowing it to spray openly into the air is also not a good idea.
Sneezes can release respiratory droplets and particles that may contain infectious germs when someone is sick.
This is why proper sneeze etiquette is important, particularly in crowded places.
The Safer Way to Sneeze
Instead of blocking your nose and mouth completely, health professionals generally recommend covering your sneeze with a tissue or using your elbow.
If you use a tissue:
• Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing.
• Throw the tissue away immediately after use.
• Wash or sanitise your hands afterwards.
If a tissue is unavailable, sneeze into the inside of your elbow rather than your bare hands.
Why You Shouldn’t Use Your Hands
Covering a sneeze with your hands may prevent droplets from spreading immediately, but it can leave germs on your palms.
Those germs can then be transferred to door handles, phones, tables and other surfaces when you touch them.
If you do sneeze into your hands, wash them thoroughly with soap and water as soon as possible.
When Should You See a Doctor?
An occasional sneeze is usually nothing to worry about. However, persistent or severe symptoms may require medical attention.
Consider speaking with a healthcare professional if sneezing is accompanied by:
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe or persistent nasal congestion
• High fever
• Chest pain
• Significant swelling or pain
• Symptoms that continue or repeatedly interfere with daily activities
Final Thoughts
Sneezing is a normal protective reflex, and trying to completely stop it by tightly closing the nose and mouth can create unnecessary pressure.
The safer approach is to let the sneeze escape while covering your nose and mouth with a tissue or the inside of your elbow. This protects both you and people around you while allowing your body to perform its natural reflex.
