We've all experienced it—sitting in a quiet room, library, or classroom, trying to hold back a sneeze during an awkward moment when that familiar tickle hits. While it might seem polite or even necessary to stifle it, suppressing a sneeze can do more harm than you realize. Let’s explore the unexpected risks of holding in your sneezes.
The Hidden Dangers of Pressure
Sneezing is your body’s way of clearing out irritants from your nose and throat, but when you hold it in, all that built-up pressure has to go somewhere. Instead of being released, the pressure is redirected internally. This can lead to a sharp increase in pressure in your head, nasal passages, and ears, which can cause damage to blood vessels or even rupture fragile tissues. A sneeze can travel at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour—imagine all that force turned inward!
Your Ears Are at Risk
One of the biggest risks of holding in a sneeze is the potential harm to your ears. The sudden increase in pressure can cause injury to the delicate structures inside your ears, including the eardrum. In extreme cases, suppressing a sneeze has even resulted in ruptured eardrums, which can lead to temporary hearing loss and pain. It's a reminder that sometimes it's better to let the sneeze out than to risk long-term damage.
Sneezes Are Nature’s Clean-Up Crew
Sneezes serve an important purpose by expelling dust, allergens, and other irritants from your airways. By holding in a sneeze, you're essentially trapping those irritants inside your body, potentially pushing them deeper into your sinuses. This can lead to increased risks of sinus infections or blockages. While it might feel inconvenient to sneeze out loud, it’s your body’s way of keeping your airways clear and healthy.
Let It Out!
In conclusion, while it may feel tempting to suppress a sneeze in certain situations, the risks far outweigh the benefits. Holding in a sneeze can lead to damage to your ears, sinuses, and even blood vessels. So, the next time you feel that tickle, don't stifle it—just sneeze! Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow can keep the germs contained while protecting your body from potential harm.
Resources
https://www.entandallergy.com/blog/2022/april/how-bad-is-it-really-to-hold-in-a-sneeze-/#:~:text=Holding%20in%20a%20sneeze%20will,Abramowitz%20says. Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board