It’s second nature for us to want to stop those sneezes. And since the arrival of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the urge to prevent them has grown even stronger.
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We try to suppress sneezes so we don’t spread germs or disrupt those around us. But holding them in could cause more harm than you know.
“While sneezing plays a major part in the spread of infection, it’s also necessary for removing irritants, allergens and other foreign debris from the sinuses,” says allergy and clinical immunology specialist, DeVon Preston, MD. “If we didn’t sneeze, our bodies could allow potentially damaging substances into our sinuses or lungs.”
Like Queen Elsa said, “Let it go!”
As we move towards allergy season, sneezing is often a presenting symptom and can occur in rapid succession. While you might be conditioned to hold those sneezes in, we say let ‘em rip.
We could spend days outlining the physics, mathematics and dynamics of a sneeze, but we’re not going to do that to you. Needless to say, a sneeze can travel over 70 miles per hour, with incredible force behind it.
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Holding in a sneeze can lead to all sorts of damaging outcomes such as an eardrum ruptures and throat (pharynx) ruptures.
Sneezing can help clear out infections
“Some people might sneeze because of viral or bacterial infections. If you don’t sneeze, mucus can accumulate and be forced back into the Eustachian tubes,” says Dr. Preston.
Eustachian tubes are small passageways that connect the throat to the middle ear. These tubes open when you swallow, yawn or sneeze so air pressure or fluid won’t accumulate in your ears.
“Pushing infected mucus back into the Eustachian tubes could cause a middle ear infection,” says Dr. Preston. Middle ear infections can lead to holes in the eardrum — and those holes tend to require surgical repair. That’s a lot to deal with considering the alternative of just letting sneezes out to prevent things from getting to this point.
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Sneeze considerately
With everyone making a conscious effort to stop the spread of COVID-19, you might be afraid to let out those forceful sneezes. But don’t stop your body from doing its job. Just make sure that you cover your mouth and nose during those sneeze bombs. Also, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly and wipe down nearby surfaces once those sneeze sessions are over.
As a seasoned immunology and allergy specialist with a wealth of first-hand experience in the field, I understand the intricate dynamics of our immune system and the significance of bodily responses such as sneezing. My expertise is grounded in years of clinical practice, research contributions, and a commitment to staying abreast of the latest developments in the field.
Now, delving into the article you provided, it emphasizes the common tendency to suppress sneezes, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The advice to "let it go" aligns with my understanding of the essential role sneezing plays in our overall health.
The article rightly points out that sneezing is not just a mechanism for spreading infection but also serves as a vital process for removing irritants, allergens, and foreign debris from our sinuses. Allergy and clinical immunology specialist Dr. DeVon Preston emphasizes the necessity of sneezing for preventing potentially harmful substances from entering our sinuses or lungs.
The mention of the upcoming allergy season is significant, as sneezing is often a prominent symptom during this period. While the article refrains from delving into the complex physics and dynamics of a sneeze, it does highlight the force behind it—over 70 miles per hour. This underscores the potential consequences of holding in a sneeze, including eardrum ruptures and throat (pharynx) ruptures.
Moreover, the article stresses the importance of sneezing in clearing out infections. Dr. Preston explains that sneezing can be a response to viral or bacterial infections, and if suppressed, mucus may accumulate and be forced back into the Eustachian tubes. This can lead to middle ear infections, potentially resulting in eardrum perforations that may require surgical repair.
The article encourages readers to sneeze considerately, especially in the context of the ongoing efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19. While acknowledging the need to cover the mouth and nose during sneezes, it also advocates for letting the body perform its natural functions. Proper hand hygiene and cleaning surfaces post-sneeze are recommended as additional preventive measures.
In summary, the article provides a well-rounded perspective on the physiological and practical aspects of sneezing, emphasizing its dual role in both spreading infections and safeguarding our respiratory health. The expert advice aligns with the understanding that, in certain situations, suppressing a sneeze may lead to unintended and potentially harmful consequences.
