Do you really know? Why do we sneeze?
Sep 25, 2025
Sneezing has taken on new significance in today's health-conscious world, with wary glances in public spaces. Did you know a sneeze can shoot droplets at speeds over 100 mph? Scientifically, sneezing is our body's way of expelling irritants, involving complex muscle movements and reflexes. Close your eyes during a sneeze? That’s a protective mechanism! But beware—holding back a sneeze could cause serious harm. Discover the fascinating science behind this everyday act in just a few minutes!
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Sneezes Produce High-Speed Droplet Clouds
- Sneezes propel a mist of mucus and saliva that can travel extremely fast and far.
- MIT found sneezes can reach ~100 mph and travel over 8 metres, spreading droplets widely.
Sneeze Droplet Clouds Can Linger
- A sneeze creates a cloud of suspended droplets that can linger in the air for minutes.
- High-speed cameras show the droplet cloud can remain airborne for several minutes after the sneeze.
Sneezing Is A Protective Reflex
- Sneezing is a rapid protective reflex to expel unwanted particles from the nose.
- Nerves in the sinuses signal the brain, triggering many facial, throat, and chest muscles to clear irritants.