This is why you should NOT hold in a sneeze

You're in the middle of an important meeting or in a quiet public place, and suddenly you feel that tickling sensation in your nose: a sneeze is about to come. Out of embarrassment or politeness, you decide to hold it in, covering your nose and mouth tightly to block out the noise. Although this may seem harmless, holding back a sneeze can be more dangerous than you think.

Here's why you shouldn't hold back a sneeze and what risks you could be running.

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A sneeze is a natural reflex of the body designed to expel irritating particles from the airways, such as dust, pollen, germs, or pollutants. It involves a rapid inhalation, followed by a high-speed expulsion of air (can exceed 160 km/h) through the nose and mouth.

This process not only helps keep the airways clear, but also protects the lungs and other internal organs from harmful agents.

What happens if you suppress a sneeze?

When you hold in a sneeze, you abruptly stop a large amount of air pressure that was meant to escape. That pressure doesn't disappear; it's redirected internally, and this can cause damage to various parts of the body. Among the risks most reported by doctors are:

1.- Ear injury

The Eustachian tube connects the throat to the middle ear. If you block a sneeze, air can travel into this area and cause:

• Pain or ringing in the ears
• Ruptured eardrum
• Infections due to pressure or mucus buildup

2.- Damage to the paranasal sinuses

The pent-up pressure can affect the sinuses, causing inflammation or even infection. The risk of small fractures in the facial skull bone has also been reported, especially in people with previous problems in these areas.

3.- Throat injury

Although rare, cases of rupture of the pharynx (an area of ​​the throat) from holding back a sneeze have been documented. This injury can lead to:

• Intense pain
• Difficulty speaking or swallowing
• Neck swelling
• In severe cases, surgery is necessary.

4.- Increased intracranial pressure

Holding in a sneeze briefly increases the pressure inside the skull, which can be dangerous for people with a history of aneurysms, high blood pressure, or vascular problems.

5.- Lung or thoracic injuries

In extreme cases, the force of the redirected air can cause rupture of the lung's alveoli or pneumothorax (air trapped between the lung and the chest wall), a condition that requires urgent medical attention.

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The healthiest thing to do is not hold in your sneeze. If you're in a public place or want to be discreet:

• Use a handkerchief or your forearm to cover yourself.
• Avoid sneezing into your hands to avoid spreading germs.
• Try to turn your body slightly so you don't face someone directly.

A sneeze is a natural and protective function of the body. Holding it in may seem polite or convenient, but it can have serious consequences for your health. The next time you feel one coming on, don't stop it: instead, sneeze responsibly.

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