If you close your mouth when you sneeze, you are likely to experience a build-up of pressure that, while rare, could cause some harm.
Potential Risks of Holding in a Sneeze
Here are the potential issues that could occur if you try to stop a sneeze by closing your mouth and nose:
- Blood Vessel Damage: According to experts, the increased pressure can cause blood vessels in your eyes, nose, and eardrums to become damaged. This is because the pressure from the held sneeze has nowhere to escape, forcing it back into these delicate areas.
- Burst Blood Vessels: The intense pressure within your nasal passages can cause tiny blood vessels to squeeze and potentially burst.
- Other Complications: Although less common, holding in a sneeze could potentially lead to more serious issues, but are highly unlikely in healthy individuals.
Why It's Best to Let Sneezes Happen
It is important to remember that sneezing is a natural bodily function, designed to expel irritants from your respiratory system. When you suppress a sneeze, you're essentially preventing this process from occurring and potentially subjecting your body to unnecessary stress.
Practical Insights
| Action | Potential Outcome |
|---|---|
| Holding a sneeze | Increased pressure leading to potential damage to blood vessels in the eyes, nose, and eardrums. Bursting of tiny blood vessels in nasal passages. |
| Letting it out | Allows your body to clear irritants safely and naturally. |
In summary, while it may seem harmless to hold in a sneeze, it's best to let it happen naturally to avoid any potential complications.
