Sneezing is the body's response to expel annoying invaders from the airways and is a crucial part of our breathing Respiratory Health. However, what happens if we resist this impulse? A case in Scotland sheds a worrying light on this common practice.
The unusual incident in Scotland
In an unconventional situation, a 30yearold Scottish man found himself in a painful and dangerous situation while trying to suppress a sneeze. While driving, he felt the need to sneeze and, worried about maintaining his concentration on the road, he held his nose and closed his mouth.
This action resulted in severe pain and a rare injury to his trachea, which sent him to Dundee Hospital in the United Kingdom. Doctors were surprised to discover a 2mm opening in his trachea caused by an attempt to suppress his sneezing.
Despite the fear, the man did not need surgery. He remained in the hospital for two days of observation and was soon discharged with recommendations for rest and appropriate medication, including painkillers and hay fever medication. After five weeks, a tomography confirmed complete healing of the injury.
Why shouldn't we sneeze?
Sneezing can reach impressive speeds of up to 100 mph and functions to eliminate respiratory irritants. Attempting to contain it traps this pressure within the body, which can cause serious damage. You Risks include eardrum damage, fractures in people with osteoporosis and, in extreme cases, even a stroke.
Health experts recommend that sneezing should occur naturally. When sneezing, it is important to keep your mouth open and not block the airflow.
In social situationsWhen sneezing, it is acceptable to use the crook of your arm to cover your mouth to muffle the sound without risking suppressing the sneeze.
Therefore, the correct understanding and safe practice of sneezing not only protects our health Healthbut also respect social norms and thus ensure general wellbeing.