Sneezing is a reflex action that occurs when something irritates the nasal cavity. It is a natural mechanism that helps to expel irritants such as pollen, dust and bacteria from the nose.

Sneezing typically happens suddenly and involuntarily and usually helps to relieve congestion, clear the sinuses, and prevent the spread of germs. However, sometimes people stop themselves from sneezing, and this can be dangerous.

What Happens When You Stop a Sneeze?

When you sneeze, a significant amount of air, mucus and bacteria is expelled from your nasal cavity. Scientists estimate that a sneeze can travel at up to 100 miles per hour and can project up to 30,000 droplets into the air.

This is why it’s essential to cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze to prevent the spread of germs.

When you stop a sneeze, the pressure that has built up in your nasal cavity has to go somewhere. It can cause damage to your eardrums, sinuses, and blood vessels.

If you hold your nose and mouth shut to stop a sneeze, the pressure can lead to blood vessel ruptures in your eyes, ear drums or brain. These damages can be permanent and potentially fatal.

Risks of Stopping a Sneeze

1. Ear Damage: The pressure created when stopping a sneeze can cause damage to your ears. Your ears are connected to your nasal passages through the Eustachian tubes, which help to equalize pressure.

Stopping a sneeze can force the pressure into these tubes and cause them to rupture. This can cause ear pain, hearing loss, and even a ruptured eardrum.

2. Sinus Rupture: Sneezing helps to relieve pressure in the sinuses. When you stop a sneeze, this pressure has nowhere to go, and it can build up and cause a rupture in the sinus cavity.

This can lead to severe pain, bleeding, and even a sinus infection.

Related Article Why You Shouldn’t Hold Back a Sneeze

3. Brain Aneurysm: Stopping a sneeze can cause a sudden increase in blood pressure in the brain, which can lead to the rupture of a blood vessel. This can cause a life-threatening condition known as a brain aneurysm.

4. Eye Damage: Stopping a sneeze can cause damage to the blood vessels in the eyes. The pressure can cause them to rupture, leading to redness, bleeding, and even vision loss. In severe cases, it can cause permanent damage to your eyesight.

5. Spread of Germs: When you stop a sneeze, you are preventing the expulsion of viruses, bacteria, and other irritants from your nasal cavity. This can lead to the spread of germs, which can cause infections and illnesses.

How to Stop a Sneeze Safely

The best way to avoid the dangers associated with stopping a sneeze is to let it happen naturally. However, if you must stop a sneeze, there are a few safe ways to do so. These include:.

1. Pinch your Nose: Gently pinch your nostrils together with your fingers before the sneeze begins. This can help to reduce the pressure and lessen the need to sneeze.

2. Blow Your Nose: Blowing your nose before a sneeze can help to clear the nasal passages and reduce the need to sneeze. This can also help to reduce the pressure that builds up in the nasal cavity.

3. Relax: Sometimes, the urge to sneeze can be due to anxiety or stress. Taking deep breaths and focusing on relaxation techniques can help to calm the body and reduce the need to sneeze.

Conclusion

Stopping a sneeze might seem harmless, but it can lead to serious health consequences. A sneeze is a natural reflex that helps to expel irritants, and preventing it can lead to ear, sinus, eye, and brain damage, as well as the spread of germs.

If you feel a sneeze coming on, let it happen naturally, or try one of the safe methods for stopping a sneeze.