Your boyfriend's loud sneezes are likely due to a combination of factors related to how he expels air, as explained by Professor Harvey. The loudness primarily stems from the amount of air he forces out of his body.
Understanding Sneeze Loudness
The sound of a sneeze is essentially the sound of air escaping your nose and mouth. However, several factors can make a sneeze louder:
- Lung Capacity: According to Professor Harvey, people with larger lungs can typically generate a louder sneeze because they can expel more air at once.
- Breath Holding: The longer someone holds their breath before sneezing, the more forcefully the air is expelled and thus the louder the sneeze. Professor Harvey also states, "The longer you hold your breath, the more dramatic you make it".
- Size: Body size also plays a role, similar to lung capacity, as it is associated with the overall volume of air they can hold and expel.
Factors Contributing to Loud Sneezes
Here's a breakdown of why your boyfriend's sneezes might be particularly loud:
- Deep Inhalation: If he tends to take a very deep breath before sneezing, he will have more air to expel.
- Extended Breath Hold: A longer breath-holding period before sneezing can lead to a much more forceful expulsion of air, resulting in a louder sound.
- Physical Characteristics: His lung capacity and body size might predispose him to louder sneezes.
Practical Insights
There isn't any medical reason to alter how loud someone sneezes. It's a natural bodily function. However, if the loudness bothers him, he might try:
- Relaxing: Consciously trying to relax before sneezing might make the breath expulsion less forceful.
- Breathing Out Gently: Exhaling slightly before the sneeze might reduce the pressure and subsequent noise.
| Factor | Effect on Sneeze Loudness |
|---|---|
| Lung Capacity | Higher Capacity = Louder |
| Breath Holding Time | Longer Hold = Louder |
| Body Size | Larger Size = Louder |
In summary, the loudness of your boyfriend's sneezes is a result of the amount of air he expels during the sneeze which is related to lung capacity, size and how long he holds his breath.
