When you feel a sneeze coming on, you might be tempted to hold it back, but that is not always the best decision.

Sneezing is a natural reflex that helps to clear the nose and airways of irritants, and holding back a sneeze can have negative consequences.

What Happens When You Hold Back a Sneeze?

When you hold back a sneeze, you are essentially stopping the natural reflex of your body. This can lead to a number of negative consequences, including:.

Increased Pressure in the Head and Ears

When you sneeze, your body releases air from your nose at around 100 miles per hour. If you hold back a sneeze, that air has nowhere to go, leading to an increase in pressure in your head and ears.

This can cause pain and discomfort, and in severe cases, can lead to damage in the ears or sinuses.

Infection

When you sneeze, your body is expelling bacteria and viruses that can cause infections. If you hold back a sneeze, those bacteria and viruses can linger in your airways and nasal passages, increasing your risk of infection.

This is particularly true if you are sick, as the sneeze may be the only way your body is able to get rid of the infection.

Related Article The Dangers of Stopping a Sneeze

Spread of Germs

Sneezes are one of the most efficient ways to spread germs. When you sneeze, tiny droplets of fluid are expelled from your mouth and nose. If you hold back a sneeze, those droplets can still be expelled, just at a lower velocity.

This means that you can still spread germs to those around you, even if you think you are being polite by holding back a sneeze.

What to Do Instead of Holding Back a Sneeze?

If you feel a sneeze coming on, the best thing you can do is let it out. If you are in a public place, try to sneeze into a tissue or your elbow to help prevent the spread of germs.

If you do not have a tissue or elbow available, try to turn away from others and sneeze into the air or the ground.

Conclusion

In conclusion, holding back a sneeze is not a good idea. By doing so, you can increase the pressure in your head and ears, increase your risk of infection, and spread germs to those around you.

So, the next time you feel a sneeze coming on, let it out, and do your part to help keep yourself and those around you healthy!.