We all have experienced the embarrassing and sometimes uncontrollable urge to sneeze. A sneeze is a reflex action generated by the body trying to expel unwanted irritants from the nose.

Sneezes are usually caused by allergens, cold air, dust particles, and viral infections.

Most people simply shrug off a sneeze and move on. But, did you know that sneezing can actually be hazardous to your health if it is left uncontrolled? The risk of drowning in your own sneeze may sound ridiculous, but it is not uncommon.

What Happens When We Sneeze?

When a person sneezes, the body releases a massive amount of air and saliva, creating a high-pressure wave out of the nose and mouth. A sneeze can reach a speed of up to 100 miles per hour and travel as far as 30 feet.

Sneezing is not just a forceful blast of air, though. It also comes with some serious hazards.

The Dangers of Uncontrolled Sneeze

Sneezing can cause several hazards to our health. The most common danger of a sneeze is spreading germs and diseases. A sneeze can create a fine mist of infectious droplets that can travel up to 6 feet away from the snot rocket.

When the droplets are inhaled by another person, they can contract the infection.

Another risk of uncontrolled sneezing is the potential to damage our bodies. Research shows that holding back, trying to muffle, or suppressing a sneeze can cause ear and sinus injuries, chest pain, and even loss of consciousness.

The pressure created by holding back a sneeze can rupture the air sacs in the lungs, and excessive sneezing can sometimes cause severe neurological damage or unconsciousness.

Believe it or not, sneezing can cause serious injuries, and in rare cases, it can even lead to death. When a person sneezes, it creates an unnatural amount of pressure within the body, especially around the head and neck.

The most common injury caused by sneezing is a nasal injury. When a person sneezes, the force of the blast can cause blood vessels in the nose to rupture, leading to a nosebleed.

If a nosebleed is not stopped, it can lead to blood loss, anemia, or more severe medical complications.

The second most common injury is an ear injury. When a person suppresses a sneeze, the pressure created can damage the eardrum, leading to severe pain, hearing loss, or permanent damage.

In rare cases, a sneeze can cause a spinal injury. When a person forcefully sneezes, the pressure created can cause a ruptured disc in the spinal cord, leading to paralysis or even death.

How to Prevent Uncontrolled Sneezing?

The most effective way to prevent uncontrolled sneezing is to treat the underlying conditions that cause them. If the cause of the sneezing is an allergy, avoid the allergen and seek treatment for the condition.

If the cause is a viral infection, avoid being in close proximity with other people to prevent spreading the infection.

In case you feel like sneezing, you should always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or handkerchief. If a tissue is not available, cover your mouth and nose with the crook of your elbow. This will help prevent the spread of germs and droplets.

It is also vital to avoid suppressing or holding back a sneeze. Let it out naturally, as it is part of the body’s natural defense mechanism.

If done correctly, a sneeze can help expel irritants from the nose and prevent more severe health complications.

Conclusion

Sneezing is a natural and necessary process that helps the body get rid of unwanted irritants. However, uncontrolled sneezing can cause several hazards to our health, from spreading germs to causing severe injuries or even death.

The most effective way to avoid these hazards is to treat the underlying conditions and let the sneeze come out naturally, covering our mouth and nose with our elbows or tissues.