Why You Should Never Stop A Sneeze ?

[JANASENA]

 Imagine bringing your car to racetrack-level speeds on the interstate, and then slamming on the breaks. The tires would smoke and squeal, the car would lurch, and all passengers would brace themselves for possible impact.

Stopping a sneeze can have a similar impact on the body, according to Dr. Joseph Donzelli of Midwest ENT Consultants – an ear, nose and throat practice with four locations in Chicago’s West Suburbs.

“A sneeze can propel air at speeds up to 100 mph, so an individual should never physically try to stop a sneeze,” says Dr. Donzelli. “As we move into flu and cold season, and sneezing occurs with increasing frequency, it’s important to know what causes sneezing and the impact that stopping a sneeze can have on our bodies.”

Dr. Donzelli says sneezing is a natural physical response that allows your body to clear unwanted items or irritants from your nose, and when you stop a sneeze, there are negative effects.

“The nose and mouth are the last chance to stop a sneeze,” Dr. Donzelli said. “Stopping a sneeze in these areas can result in the back up of pressure into your sinuses and potentially into your ears via the eustachian tube. If you stop the sneeze at the voice box, you will create a valsalva, raising thoracic pressure much like what occurs with a hard cough.”

Typically, allergies are the root cause of sneezing, Dr. Donzelli says, which means that individuals can usually treat the cause. Reducing interaction with the following irritants also can prevent persistent sneezing:

• If you have pets, be sure to brush them and vacuum your home frequently to avoid animal dander.
• Regularly remove dust from your house, even from hard to reach places like fan blades and behind furniture.
• Remember to replace your air filter and keep extra filters on hand.