Sneezing is surprisingly powerful, generating significantly more pressure than normal breathing.
Sneezing Pressure Compared to Exhalation
Studies have shown that sneezing produces about 33 times more pressure than the force exerted when you are breathing hard during exercise. Specifically, the pressure of a sneeze is about 1 psi (pounds per square inch), while forceful exhaling during exercise is only about 0.03 psi.
Understanding the Force of a Sneeze
To better understand this difference, consider these points:
- Normal Breathing: When you breathe normally, you exert very little pressure.
- Heavy Breathing/Exhaling: Even during heavy exercise, the pressure exerted during exhalation is still quite low (about 0.03 psi).
- Sneezing: A sneeze, in contrast, is an explosive action designed to expel irritants from your nasal passages and respiratory system, resulting in a significantly higher pressure level (about 1 psi).
Table of Pressure Comparison
| Activity | Approximate Pressure (psi) |
|---|---|
| Forceful Exhalation (Exercise) | 0.03 |
| Sneezing | 1 |
Practical Implications
The high pressure generated during a sneeze is why:
- Sneezes can travel considerable distances (as can the droplets containing germs).
- You should always cover your mouth and nose while sneezing.
In short, a sneeze is a powerful bodily function with a force far exceeding normal exhalation. The force of a sneeze is approximately 1 psi which is 33 times more than exhaling forcefully during exercise (0.03 psi).
