Sneezing is a reflex action that is essential to keep the body healthy. It is an involuntary expulsion of air from the mouth and nose, often caused due to irritation in the nasal cavity.

It is a natural process of the body’s defense mechanism to get rid of allergens, dust, and irritants in the respiratory system. However, some people tend to suppress their sneezes, either due to manners or for social reasons, which could potentially cause harm to their health. In this article, we will discuss the dangers of suppressing sneezes.

Allergens and Irritants Build-Up

When a person suppresses a sneeze, the allergens and irritants on the nasal passage and respiratory tract don’t get expelled out of the body.

Instead, they remain inside, leading to an accumulation of such allergens, and eventually, it might result in severe respiratory problems. In some cases, it could even cause asthma, which is a chronic respiratory problem characterized by difficulty in breathing and shortness of breath.

Ear Damage

Suppressing a sneeze could potentially harm the ears. During a sneeze, the pressure inside the body increases in the upper respiratory tract.

This increased pressure could harm the delicate organs of the ear, especially the eardrum, which divides the outer ear and the middle ear. When a person suppresses a sneeze, the increased pressure in the ear might cause earache, fluid accumulation, and even damage the eardrum.

Eye Damage

When a person sneezes, the pressure inside the body increases, and the muscles in the face and eyes contract.

This force could cause temporary damage to the eye’s blood vessels, which might lead to retinal detachment, blurred vision, and even blindness. Suppressing a sneeze could lead to the accumulation of pressure in the eye, which could cause damage to the blood vessels and lead to ocular complications.

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Compromises the Immune System

Suppressing a sneeze could compromise the immune system by failing to expel the irritants and allergens present in the respiratory tract.

The body’s immune system fights against infections and diseases by stimulating the white blood cells, which attack the pathogen. When a person suppresses a sneeze, the allergens and irritants might stay inside the body and weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to diseases.

This could cause recurrent infections, respiratory problems, and even autoimmune diseases.

Chest Pain and Rib Fractures

Suppressing a sneeze could cause chest pain and even rib fractures. During a sneeze, the body muscles contract, including the intercostal muscles, which expand and contract the chest wall.

When a person suppresses a sneeze, the increased pressure inside the respiratory tract could cause chest pain or even lead to fractured ribs.

Conclusively,

Suppressing a sneeze might seem like a harmless act, but it could lead to severe health complications. It is essential to refrain from suppressing a sneeze and allow the body to function naturally.

It is crucial to cover the mouth and nose when sneezing to prevent the spread of droplets that might contain contagious pathogens. Sneezing is a vital process to keep the body healthy, and it is necessary to allow the body to function appropriately.