Do you really know? Is holding back a sneeze dangerous?
Oct 6, 2025
Holding back a sneeze may seem polite, but it can lead to serious injuries like ruptures or pneumothorax. Sneezing is nature's way of clearing the airways of dust and germs, effectively cleansing your respiratory system. Experts share tips for sneezing responsibly, such as using your elbow and keeping your hands clean to minimize spreading germs. It’s a fascinating dive into the importance of this everyday reflex!
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Sneezing Clears Respiratory Passages
- Sneezing is a natural reflex that clears dust, microbes and irritants from the nasal cavity.
- Joseph Chance says it expels droplets at about 50 km/h and can reach up to 8–9 m away.
Don't Make Suppression A Habit
- Avoid making holding sneezes a habit and let them out when possible.
- Occasionally suppressing a sneeze isn't a big deal, but habitual suppression risks injury.
Risks Of Holding Back A Sneeze
- Suppressing sneezes increases internal pressure across sinuses, throat, ears and even the brain.
- Joseph Chance warns this can cause ruptured vessels, eardrum damage, back pain, nosebleeds or headaches.