Why suppressing a sneeze is a bad idea
When your body detects an irritant in the nasal passages—such as dust, pollen, or microbes—it triggers a powerful reflex to expel the intruder. A sneeze involves a deep inhalation, followed by the coordinated and forceful contraction of muscles in your chest, abdomen, and throat. This creates a high-pressure burst of air that is meant to clear the nasal cavity. When you attempt to stifle this reflex by holding your mouth and nose closed, all that built-up pressure has nowhere to go. This forced redirection of pressure can have several negative consequences on your health.
Potential health risks of holding back a sneeze
Redirecting the force of a sneeze can cause a range of issues, from minor discomfort to more serious, though rare, injuries. The high-pressure air seeks the path of least resistance, which is often into other connected bodily cavities. This can lead to:
- Ruptured eardrum: The most common risk is damage to your ears. The ears and nose are connected by the Eustachian tubes. Holding in a sneeze can force air and mucus up these tubes, causing a sudden and significant pressure change in the middle ear. In some cases, this pressure can be powerful enough to rupture the delicate eardrum, a condition known as a tympanic membrane perforation.
- Sinus problems and infections: A sneeze helps clear irritants and mucus from your sinuses. When you suppress a sneeze, you can force this mucus back into your nasal cavities and sinuses, potentially introducing or trapping infectious agents and leading to sinus pain, congestion, and infections.
- Damage to blood vessels: The intense, redirected pressure can cause small blood vessels, or capillaries, to rupture. This is most visibly seen in the eyes, resulting in a subconjunctival hemorrhage—a harmless but alarming red patch on the white of the eye. Less commonly, it could cause a nosebleed.
- Throat and neck injuries: Extremely forceful suppression has been linked to severe, though rare, injuries. There have been documented cases of air rupturing the larynx (voice box) or causing subcutaneous emphysema, where air becomes trapped under the skin of the neck and chest. While these are not typical outcomes, they highlight the sheer force behind a sneeze.
- Increased pressure in the head: Holding in a sneeze can also cause a temporary spike in pressure inside the skull and brain. While this isn't a direct cause of a stroke or aneurysm rupture in a healthy person, the risk is not zero, particularly for those with pre-existing vascular weaknesses. The safest option is to allow the body's natural pressure-release mechanism to function unimpeded.
How holding in a sneeze compares to proper sneezing technique
To better understand the risks, consider the difference between suppressing a sneeze and following recommended hygiene practices. One method poses a physical threat, while the other protects public health without compromising personal safety.
| Feature | Holding in a Sneeze | Proper Sneezing Etiquette |
|---|---|---|
| Action | Blocking nose and mouth, trapping air and pressure. | Covering mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow. |
| Pressure Release | Redirected violently into internal cavities (ears, sinuses). | Expelled safely and naturally, containing germs. |
| Risks | Ruptured eardrum, sinus infection, burst blood vessels, throat injury. | Minimal to no health risks to the sneezer. |
| Germ Spread | Minimal external spread, but germs are pushed back internally. | Prevents spread to others by trapping germs. |
| Effectiveness | Dangerous and ineffective at clearing irritants. | Safe and effective at both self-protection and public health. |
The right way to sneeze to protect yourself and others
Since it is dangerous to close your mouth and suppress a sneeze, the focus should be on proper sneeze etiquette to minimize the spread of germs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a few simple steps to achieve this:
- Use a tissue: The best method is to use a clean tissue to cover your mouth and nose completely. This traps the expelled germs and mucus. Afterward, immediately dispose of the tissue in a wastebasket.
- Sneeze into your elbow: If a tissue isn't available, the next best option is to sneeze into the crook of your elbow. This is sometimes called the “vampire sneeze” because it resembles a vampire hiding their face. This method is effective because it contains the droplets on your sleeve, an area you are less likely to touch with your hands.
- Avoid sneezing into your hands: Sneezing into your hands is the least ideal option because it directly contaminates your hands with germs, which can then be transferred to surfaces and other people. If you do use your hands, wash them thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds as soon as possible.
What to do if you can't prevent a sneeze
Sometimes, a sneeze comes on too fast to prepare. In these instances, just letting it out naturally is the safest option. The most important action is what you do afterward. If you sneezed into your hands or weren't able to cover your mouth, it's crucial to wash your hands immediately to prevent spreading germs.
This is all part of what doctors refer to as cough and sneeze etiquette, a simple but powerful component of public health. By allowing the natural reflex to occur and containing the germs, you are protecting both your personal health and the health of those around you.
Conclusion: Sneeze freely, but responsibly
The impulse to stifle a sneeze, particularly in a quiet setting, is understandable. However, prioritizing politeness over personal safety can be a mistake. The potential for injury from redirecting the immense pressure of a sneeze, while rare for the most severe cases, is a real and avoidable risk. From ruptured eardrums to sinus issues, the dangers outweigh the temporary social discomfort.
The safest and most recommended approach is to let the sneeze out, utilizing proper etiquette to prevent the spread of germs. By reaching for a tissue or using the elbow method, you allow your body's natural defense mechanism to work as intended while being a considerate member of society. Remember, a sneeze is your body's way of protecting itself; don't get in its way. To learn more about the specific risks of holding a sneeze, refer to resources from trusted health authorities like the Cleveland Clinic's article, Is It Bad To Hold in a Sneeze?.
